STTL Achieves Sensor Data Transfer Using ‘Bundle’ Protocol

 [Satellite Today 09-11-08] Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) demonstrated a ‘bundle’ protocol in space, carrying remote-sensing image data to NASA‘s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, via SSTL’s mission control center in England, the company announced Sept. 11. SSTL called the event a “first” for the industry.
     SSTL said that sensor data was successfully delivered from its UK-DMC satellite,  a member of the Disaster Monitoring Constellation, using a disruption- and delay-tolerant networking protocol designed for the interplanetary Internet. Delay-tolerant networking techniques aim to provide continuous network connectivity to systems that have issues with connectivity problems. SSTL said the ‘bundle’ protocol has been developed in a co-operative research effort to support continuous communications across disrupted links. Cisco Systems provides the router on the UK-DMC.
    The first complete image, of South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, was reportedly downloaded in fragments across two separate satellite passes to a ‘bundle agent’ in SSTL’s ground station, the company said. The fragments were then sent across the Internet to NASA Glenn’s agent, and reassembled into the image file.
    SSTL said the work will be publicly presented on Sept. 30 at the 59th International Astronautical Congress 2008 in Glasgow.