From Data Relay Satellites to Distributed Space Communication Networks：An Evolutionary Persoective

摘要

The present paper addresses the concept of a Space Communications Network(SCN)establishing communication links with both Low Earth Orbit(LEO)spacecrafts and Deep Space missions.A tentative timescale from the year 2000 to 2035 has been taken as a reference to identify user requirements/foreseen missions.Such user requirements indicate the definjte usefulness of a suitable SCN,to be established in the medium-term period startjng from the present concept of Data Relay Satellites (DRS)，building block of european In-Orbit Infrastructure(IOI),The paper also discusses some aspects related to manned missions throughput and data encryption strategies.