The Deep Impact Network Experiments - Concept, Motivation and Results

Abstract

The first Deep Impact Network Experiment (DINET I) was performed by personnel at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory with the cooperation of the EPOXI project on the Deep Impact (DI) spacecraft. Using nine ground-based computers controlled from the Experiment Operations Center (EOC) in JPL’s Protocol Technology Lab (PTL) and the DI spacecraft, all connected via JPL’s interplanetary overlay network (ION) disruption-tolerant network (DTN) protocol implementation, the DINET I experiment successfully integrated and tested the first link of the interplanetary internet over the course of 27 days in 2008. The DTN concept allows for automated scheduling and routing of data through an overlay network that bridges smaller local networks. The accomplished technical goal of DINET I was to prove the capabilities of delay-tolerant networking protocols – specifically the Licklider transmission protocol (LTP) and bundle protocol (BP) – in an interplanetary operational environment. The accomplished strategic goal of DINET I was to provide a venue in which to simultaneously raise the JPL technology readiness level of ION and encourage mission project acceptance of DTN technology in space operations communications. A follow-on experiment with the Deep Impact spacecraft, DINET II, is planned by JPL and funded by NASA. DINET II has developed and will test new DTN capabilities such as key-based authentication, mixed-route file delivery, and improvements to DINET I software on the EPOXI ground-based testbed system with the addition of network nodes at JHU-APL, CU Boulder and the International Space Station.