Phillip E. Paulsen

Large File Transfers from Space Using Multiple Ground Terminals and Delay-Tolerant Networking

Abstract-We use Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) to break control loops between space-ground communication links and ground-ground communication links to increase overall file delivery efficiency, as well as to enable large files to be proactively fragmented and received across multiple ground stations. DTN proactive fragmentation and reactive fragmentation were demonstrated from the UK-DMC satellite using two independent ground stations. The files were reassembled at a bundle agent, located at Glenn Research Center in Cleveland Ohio. The first space-based demonstration of this occurred on September 30 and October 1, 2009. This paper details those experiments.

Autonomous satellite operations via secure virtual mission operations center

The science community is interested in improving their ability to respond to rapidly evolving, transient phenomena via autonomous rapid reconfiguration, which derives from the ability to assemble separate but collaborating sensors and data forecasting systems to meet a broad range of research and application needs. Current satellite systems typically require human intervention to respond to triggers from dissimilar sensor systems. Additionally, satellite ground services often need to be coordinated days or weeks in advance. Finally, the boundaries between the various sensor systems that make up such a Sensor Web are defined by such things as link delay & connectivity, data & error rate asymmetry, data reliability, quality of service provisions, and trust, complicating autonomous operations. Over the past ten years, researchers from NASAs Glenn Research Center, General Dynamics, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), Cisco, Universal Space Networks (USN), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the Naval Research Laboratory, the DoD Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office, and others have worked collaboratively to develop a “virtual” mission operations capability. Called “VMOC” (Virtual Mission Operations Center), this new capability allows cross-system queuing of dissimilar mission unique systems through the use of a common security scheme and published application programming interfaces (APIs). Collaborative VMOC demonstrations over the last several years have supported the standardization of spacecraft to ground interfaces needed to reduce costs, maximize space effects to the user, and allow the generation of new tactics, techniques and procedures that lead to responsive space employment.

Secure, Autonomous, Intelligent Controller for Integrating Distributed Emergency Response Satellite Operations

This report describes a Secure, Autonomous, and Intelligent Controller for Integrating Distributed Emergency Response Satellite Operations. It includes a description of current improvements to existing Virtual Mission Operations Center technology being used by US Department of Defense and originally developed under NASA funding. The report also highlights a technology demonstration performed in partnership with the United States Geological Service for Earth Resources Observation and Science using DigitalGlobe® satellites to obtain space-based sensor data.

Mobile-IP priority home agents for aerospace and military applications

Recent developments in mobile router technology include the ability to prioritize selection of the home agent by the mobile unit. This technology was originally developed for route optimization. However, the technology also can be applied to autonomous catastrophic recovery, and robust redundant network control centers. This paper describes a variety of architecture scenarios that can benefit from prioritized home agents including: homeland security, virtual mission operations, mobile command centers and route optimization for aeronautical applications. A demonstration testbed was presented where this technology was proven in the field. In addition, a virtual mission operation center demonstration currently being deployed was described.