IEEE Access Special Section: Internet of Space: Networking Architectures and Protocols to Support Space-Based Internet Services

Abstract

This Special Section focused on gathering the most recent scientific research and insights on the evolution of communication architectures and protocols able to boost the creation of a truly global internet by means of the integration of the current internet with a new Internet of Space; how to support the operation of Tier-1, Tier-2, or even Tier-3 airborne/spaceborne networks; how to address interoperability, within and across different protocol layers in the network architecture, leveraging cross-layer design; and finally how to design a more unified next-generation internet architecture able to transparently include spaceborne and airborne platforms in a way that allows for user-centric services, and a smooth operation of transient networks.