Spatiam Corporation has developed a commercial platform for space communications based on Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), designed to manage data transmission delays and signal disruptions caused by vast distances and planetary movement in the solar system. The platform temporarily stores data bundles at intermediate network nodes until a path to the next node or target destinati by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 1, 2025
Spatiam Corporation has developed a commercial platform for space communications based on Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), designed to manage data transmission delays and signal disruptions caused by vast distances and planetary movement in the solar system. The platform temporarily stores data bundles at intermediate network nodes until a path to the next node or target destination is available, enabling reliable data transfer across space.
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory served as the testbed for validating Spatiam s DTN platform in a real operational environment. This demonstration advanced the technology readiness level of the platform to TRL 7, one step from flight certification. The platform demonstrated the ability to maintain network functionality with multiple nodes between space and Earth, transferring telemetry, commands, text, binary files, and streaming audio and video data.
Vint Cerf, co-leader in developing DTN protocols and considered one of the "Fathers of the Internet," emphasized that traditional TCP/IP protocols are inefficient for deep space due to high latency and disruptions, making DTN protocols essential for interplanetary networking. Spatiam CEO Alberto Montilla highlighted the ISS as an ideal environment to demonstrate their technology, facilitating operational experience managing space networks.
During an 18-day demonstration, Spatiam conducted over 95 tests, including pioneering bundle-in-bundle encapsulation for secure, reliable data transmission. The platform also supported multiple network administrators and streaming capabilities for high-definition video, crucial for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. The company intends to extend its DTN platform to support commercial space stations, lunar networks such as LunaNet, and low Earth orbit operations.
Spatiam presented these results at the Space Software Summit in Boulder, Colorado, showcasing the potential for commercial interplanetary communications infrastructure. The success of this project marks a significant step toward operational space networks that accommodate complex, multi-user environments beyond current direct-link communications.
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