Space: Interplanetary Internet

The International Space Station (ISS) is testing software which would provide internet access to space vehicles. The ISS will be the initial node in the "Interplanetary Internet"; however, NASA is in discussions with European and Japanese counterparts to add to the network. The nodes will also be placed on future NASA projects.

The new technology is similar to TCP/IP, which our internet uses, but is designed to handle the long delays in packet transfer which would occur in deep space travel. It would also enable a new space communication model. The current model is more similar to radio.

While following Tour de France bike riders with Twitter has been interesting, we can't wait for twittering astronauts.