Space Force eyes ‘outernet’ for better data flow in orbit
By Courtney Albon
Apr 26, 04:09 PM
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force wants to create a space-based “outernet” that would allow military satellites and networks to communicate more efficiently.
The service’s Space Warfighting Analysis Center recently completed its initial plan for the capability as part of its space data transport force design effort, according to Col. Eric Felt, director of architecture and integration in the Air Force’s space acquisition office.
“The outernet is the internet in space,” Felt said April 26 at the virtual C4ISRNET Conference. “The basic idea being that if I’m a sensor or a satellite in space, I shouldn’t have to worry about how my data gets to where it needs to go.”
The work is part of a broader capability design effort that considers what future satellite communications systems and sensors the military will need. The review considered how the Space Force could use a mix of traditional SATCOM networks and commercial satellites to help ensure data gets to its intended destination, Felt said.
https://www.militarytimes.com/battlefield-tech/space/2023/04/26/space-force-eyes-outernet-for-better-data-flow-in-orbit/
