The The Internet Of Space Things: The Final Frontier

IoT or the Internet Of Things is basically a system of machines, computers, mechanical machines, persons and other things that have unique identifiers and they can transfer data via a network without human based or computer based interaction. This has grown to the global level so that devices are connected throughout the world so that the demands of consumers can be met as well as increase efficiency overall. There are lots of devices that collect data such as smartphones, sensors, wearable devices and more.

The Internet of Things uses the current wireless as well as wired infrastructure. The main type of technologies used include bluetooth, wi-fi, Zigbee etc. Additionally, cell networks are another type of technology that is being used for IoT with as many as 4.7 billion connections being predicted for 2030. 

Existing networks are becoming even more congested due to the increasing use of data and communication services along with the addition of IoT device usage. This will occur a lot faster in remote parts of the world. Also, in harsh parts of the world such as the mountains, deserts, oceans and more, there won't be thorough coverage and availability. Keep in mind that in natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes etc, the network will become a lot more vulnerable. However, when a strong system invulnerability is put in place along with good coverage, satellite systems can be utilized to provide services for various IoT terminals throughout the world and even in remote parts. This will ensure that the Internet of Everything is actually true to its name. 

The pervasiveness of IoT is what will bring it success over time, even though there are limitations of mobile broadband networks which are present in most populated areas. The potential of IoT will be unleashed when it is paired with excellent connectivity that can work just about anywhere and everywhere, including the most remote parts of the world.

Thanks to microsatellite technology, the usage of satellites has lowered a lot. LEO or Low Earth Orbit satellites are now able to give support for a wide range of IoT devices. These type of satellites usually orbit at 400 - 1,000 miles over the surface of the earth. Information that is transferred via the LEO satellites is sent from one to the other and these satellites typically move in and out of range of transmitting stations on earth. This is great for a variety of communication applications because LEO satellites use less energy and the amplifiers required are less powerful. 

Due to the fact these these satellites are at low earth orbit lower latencies on the network are available. However, there are issues with handoff, tracking and synchronization. There are now advanced CMOS and microwave phased array technology in the last couple of years and that are main enablers. However, keep in mind that you should not see these as replacement for earth based networks as they will integrate with them for complete connectivity throughout the world. 

IoST/ Cubesats

The nanosatellite era will certainly increase the scope of IoT. These nanosatellites are basically satellites that are quite light and weigh under 10kg. They will be used as IoT nodes that are able to easily communicate, sense and compute. They will also be able to work in large groups or swarms in order to gain as much information as possible. There will be large networks of nanosatellites that will do a lot more than sense. They will provide transmission and connectivity capabilities which are essential for IoT. So, there are researchers who are spending a lot of time and energy developing novel cyber physical systems that are capable of covering space, air and ground which will be known as IoST or Internet of Space Things or CubeSats. 

What sets IoST apart from IoT is that it aims to increase functionality by giving a satellite backhaul network that is essentially always available. It will also provide information n real time as well as integrate with information from the ground so that this data can be used in lots of new ways. 

IoST applications provide the ability to closely monitor assets and terrain, remote sensing, better management of transport around the world, deep space exploration, data transmission on ground stations etc. This will particular assist areas that are under served or don't have much access to the internet. 

The top companies all over the world have been taking IoS or the Internet of Space quite seriously. In particular, ESA and NASA have also created plans to for satellite networks around the Sun, Mars and Earth. These networks will have miniature satellites along with microwave antenna arrays and lasers that will be pointed in space. Over the next few years, these type of technologies will make up the communication network that will assist landers and robots in exploring and even mining Mars and the Moon. 

This type of network that is space based makes heavy use of SDN or software defined networking along with NFV or network function virtualization. These are used to make managing the satellites a lot easier along with ground devices. When they are placed in the exosphere, CubeSat will have a main role in sensing as well as serving as the main network infrastructure. The development of nanosatellites will ensure that space access is less costly and ongoing. It will also provide many more options for the launch of rockets. 

There are 2 proposals that are based on photonics that NASA is considering to create new tech for miniature satellites. They will definitely help to improve our knowledge of deep space and even create better space weather prediction models. This is being managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center and funded via the Heliophysics Solar Terrestrial Probe program by Nasa. 

There are two technologies that are being developed and this includes a less complex Cubesats and optical communication link that is meant for satellites. When the switch is made to optical links as oppose to RF, this will drastically increase our ability to gain deep space data. It will also reduce the demand on the deep space network. According to the agency, this technology will greatly help small satellites that need communication systems with high data rates.

Space: the final frontier!