The interplanetary Internet is a conceived computer network in space, consisting of a set of network nodes that can communicate with each other.[1][2] These nodes are the planet's orbiters and landers, and the Earth ground stations. For example, the orbiters collect the scientific data from the Curiosity rover on Mars through near-Mars communication links, transmit the data to Earth through direct links from the Mars orbiters to the Earth ground stations, and finally the data routed through Earth's internal internet.[3]
Interplanetary communication is greatly delayed by interplanetary distances, so a new set of protocols and technologies that are tolerant to large delays and errors are required.[2] The interplanetary Internet is a store and forwardnetwork of internets that is often disconnected, has a wireless backbone fraught with error-prone links and delays ranging from tens of minutes to even hours, even when there is a connection.[4]
^Krupiarz, C.; Birrane, Edward J.; Ballard, Benjamin W.; Benmohamed, L.; Mick, A.; Stambaugh, Katherine A.; Tunstel, E. (2011). "Enabling the Interplanetary Internet"(PDF). Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest. 30 (2): 122–134. S2CID46026742. Archived(PDF) from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2021.