Pre-phase A of Solar System Internet Study

The Solar System Internet (SSI) aims to provide a network-centric communication system between all classes of space assets and the ground. Additionally, for space assets, the SSI aims to provide Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services for assets located beyond earth orbit. In parallel, the SSI will enable the next generation of space-to-ground links (e.g. Ka-band, optical). The SSI will impact all phases of future missions, from initial mission design to operations. Therefore, the technologies used within the SSI must be supported by robust laboratory testing facilities. Key communication use cases include the transfer of vast amounts of data from remote sensing satellites to Earth, providing critical information for weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. In the field of deep space exploration, communication systems enable control and monitoring of spacecraft and other assets, such as Mars rovers, which rely on robust links to send images and scientific data back to Earth while receiving commands from mission control. Geolocation services, used by both Earth and orbital users below GPS altitude for a variety of operational tasks, are based on the transmission of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) information.