A server satellite, a space-based network, and a method and computer program product for operation thereof, which provides compatibility among satellite platforms and networks. A server satellite comprises a satellite platform and a server system operable to manage communications traffic with a client spacecraft and a ground terminal, the client spacecraft and the ground terminal communicatively connected to the server system. A method of managing communications traffic with a client spacecraft and the ground terminal is performed in a server satellite comprising a satellite platform and a server system, the server system communicatively connected to a ground terminal and comprises the steps of: establishing a communicative connection with the client spacecraft; receiving information identifying the client spacecraft; determining whether software necessary to support a mission of the client spacecraft is present; receiving the software necessary to support the mission of the client spacecraft from the client spacecraft, if the software necessary to support the mission of the client spacecraft is not present; and managing communications traffic between the client spacecraft and the ground terminal using the software necessary to support the mission of the client spacecraft. The ground terminal may be communicatively connected to a ground-based network, which may be the Internet.
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