INTERNET PROTOCOL ROUTING IN CIS-LUNAR SPACE

Over the last five years, integrating space systems into the global Internet paradigm has advanced significantly. Space constellations and networks are now commonplace; however, current implementations remain limited to networks managed as single terrestrially orchestrated systems or orchestrated hybrid mixtures of interacting space networks. This centralized orchestration approach constrains autonomous operations, requires continuous ground station visibility, and prevents direct peer-to-peer communication between space nodes. The need for standards-compliant inter-networking enabling space systems to function as direct Internet extensions is increasingly clear. Once achieved, space systems gain continuous real-time access to distributed data sources, on-orbit analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Cambrian Works has developed hardware and software applying Internet functionality in space without requiring terrestrial code rewrites. This technology allows constellation and in-space resources to serve as direct Internet extensions, supporting edge computing and distributed in-space processing. Space nodes equipped with this software interact with terrestrial Internet nodes identically to any other computer on the Internet. Applications include real-time integration of observations into terrestrial or space-based analyses regardless of processing location, continuous access to network-hosted data worldwide independent of ground station passes, and leveraging existing IP-based networking applications and security frameworks without modification.

This paper presents lessons learned from on-orbit space routers flown in late 2025 aboard multiple LEO missions. Performance evaluation used digital twin emulation tools characterizing software, hardware, and network behavior for multi-orbit constellation inter-networking. Flight validation demonstrated routing protocols, autonomous network reconfiguration, and operational procedures for Internet-extended space architectures.

The validated technology brings space architectures into direct functional alignment with the terrestrial Internet, eliminating custom ground segment middleware and enabling autonomous distributed operations. Expected outcomes include operational deployment for real-time space-ground data integration and standards-compliant networking throughout cis-lunar space.