Delay / Disruption
Tolerant Networking
DTN is a foundational capability for creating the Solar System Internet, bringing internet-like functionality to space communications.
TODAY
Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking
Establishing an Interplanetary Internet
Space communications are subject to frequent delays and the unavailability of end-to-end links, resulting in the need for additional networking protocols.
DTN uses a store-and-forward approach to overcome latency and disruption challenges. In the event of a disruption in communications between network nodes, each node can store data until the next node becomes available — similar to how emails are saved in outboxes until a network connection is established. DTN assures delivery of data to the end user in a more reliable and standardized way in the unique space communications environment. With the completion of the agency’s multi-center DTN Project in January 2026, DTN is now an operational service in both NASA’s Near Space Network and the Deep Space Network.
Benefits
Benefiting All Mission Types
DTN as a networking approach has massive potential, allowing communications engineers to identify bottlenecks, reroute data to improve flow, and create a more robust network architecture in general. Additionally, DTN enables mission teams to identify where their data is on a path and assess when they can expect it to arrive.
Implementing DTN will decrease data loss and increase insight into the network.
DTN Mission Resources
Supporting Your Mission with DTN
Why should you use DTN on your mission? DTN is already in operational use by science missions like the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) spacecraft.
The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program provides operational DTN services through the Deep Space Network and the Near Space Network and is expanding its infrastructure for future missions, including lunar relay services. Helpful resources such as software options, information on standards, and other mission resources are available below.
LunaNet
Creating the Interplanetary Internet
DTN is the building block of NASA’s LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS). The LNIS is not a single mission, but rather a specification guideline and framework for building and operating interoperable assets on and around the Moon. NASA’s first physical asset supporting a lunar network that complies with the LNIS is a commercial lunar relay, now in development, and will leverage DTN. The LunaNet architecture will be built by NASA, international partners, and commercial companies, all working together for a robust lunar presence.
DTN Enables PACE to ‘Phone Home’
In 2024, NASA’s PACE mission became the first NASA Class-B mission to use DTN operationally for telemetry data. Over 34 million bundles have been successfully transmitted to date with a 100% success rate. Utilizing DTN has improved efficiency of operations by automatically initiating transfer of bundles when a communication contact occurs, enabling retransmission and handling of unplanned disruptions gracefully by resuming a downlink when the link becomes available again.
Learn MoreBuilding the Solar System Internet
To the Moon, Mars, and Beyond
With the DTN Project complete, NASA is building the Solar System Internet in phases: integrating DTN across SCaN’s networks and services, extending networking to the Moon through LunaNet and the Near Space Network’s lunar relay and direct-to-Earth services, and establishing a Mars network anchored by a DTN-enabled Mars relay orbiter planned to be operational by 2030. DTN is also embedded in Artemis architectures and requirements.
