Embryonic universe network - internet on space

This technology experiment is scientifically named Disruption-Tolerant Networking (DTN).

In the future, this may be the way the Centers use to contact astronauts on Mars.

DTN technology allows scientists to have more choices when it comes to transmitting data over super-long distances: from planet to planet, from spacecraft to exploration vehicles and from Means of exploration to earth or space stations.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Nasa conducted testing on the experiment at the end of October 2012. The ISS 33 expedition, led by astronaut Sunita Williams, successfully used a laptop with DTN software to control an exploration robot in Germany.

DTN technology is like the internet on Earth but can wait longer and penetrate higher when faced with obstacles in transmitting data between planets and satellites. , space spaces and spacecraft.

The 'obstacles' here may be due to solar storms or when the spacecraft is hidden behind planets.

'DTN technology is used for long-range connectivity because the normal internet will not allow waiting when there is a period of data transmission in and out for even a minute,' Kim Nergaard told the BBC.

The idea of ​​the DTN network was first introduced here in the decade by Vint Cerf. He was also the one who invented the Internet on Earth, contributing to bringing humanity into a new era: the era of information technology developed rapidly.

DTN technology was first tested in November 2008 when Nasa successfully transferred an image from a spacecraft 20 million miles from Earth with a DTN-based connection system.

Space network

The system uses a network to work with nodes - connections points to deal with disruptions. If an intermittent error occurs, the data will be unloaded at these connection points until the communication line returns and the data is continued to be transmitted to the other burners.

These 'storage and transfer stations' ensure data is preserved and gradually move them to where they need to be.

'With the internet on the ground, if you are disconnected at any stage the system will transfer the data back to the first point or you will lose all data' . Mr. Nergaard added.

Recently, to contact the Curiosity, the last exploration vehicle operating at the Gale Crater on the Red Planet on August 6, 2012, scientists Nasa and Esa have used transmission technology. each of these sections.

'Normally, a vehicle visited by the Mars surface is directly controlled by the earth itself or in some other cases from the spacecraft in Mars orbit using satellite data but as still follow the single-pass conduction connection , " explains Mr. Nergaard.

'This is not a closed finishing network. There are a lot of exploration facilities on the surface of Mars and a lot of non-transmitter in Mars orbit but they still act as individual individuals. The future idea is that all exploration vehicles and Mars orbits will work smoothly in a network and we can move messages and data to them as easily as they work. on the Internet on Earth. This connection will still use radio waves but at a different frequency allows higher-level data connectivity, " Mr. Nergaard added.

Nasa scientist Badri Younes said the successful final test demonstrated the feasibility of deploying a new connection platform that allows control of surface-active robots from space spacecraft and receive signals, images and feedback data from robots. When the DTN technology is completed, it will be a great step forward for the exploration, research and conquest of human space.