The Internet of Everywhere – Outer Space Included

Everyone who is anyone in tech has been talking about the Internet of things for the past few years. They’ve been going on and on about how 50 billion devices will be connected by 2020, even our toothbrushes and refrigerators. But now it’s been taken to another level – they are aiming to connect objects throughout space. The International Space Station recently added DTN (Disruption Tolerant Networking) – a new technology protocol – to its Telescience Resource Kit, making the satellite the first piece in what NASA says may eventually form a Solar System-scale Internet.

As we continue to explore further into space, reliable forms of communication are essential. The plan is to eventually extend the DTN network so there are many different data relay stations throughout the Solar System. DTN is also designed to be future-proof, with the ability to handle an increased number of vehicles roaming the outer reaches of our universe and making sure they can communicate with Earth no matter where they are or how long it's been since their last transmission. Perhaps now all those people headed on a one-way trip to Mars in 2027 will be able to call their moms to say ‘hey’ and more importantly, keep their Twitter feeds updated so we lowly Earthlings can know what’s really going on up there.

The Internet of Everywhere – Outer Space Included

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