Dynamic and robust routing protocol for orbit access networks in lunar exploration

In this paper, we present our work on designing a communication network for orbit access in future lunar exploration missions. We first discuss the characteristics of space communication for lunar missions that influence the network design, and then address some highlighted issues in the system framework which adopts both the delay-tolerant network (DTN)-based technologies and the mobile ad hoc network (MANET) protocol(s). We propose a hybrid approach to combine MANET reactive routing protocol and DTN-based bundle delivery in order to support a robust access and dynamic mission operations. Our hybrid scheme explores the (non)availability of the end-to-end path between two peers using MANET routing and provides diverse route options based upon different parameters. This interaction between hop-by-hop DTN technologies and end-to-end MANET protocol will result in a reliable and robust routing protocol for orbit access and improve the overall communication capabilities.