Solar system interplanetary communication networks: architectures, technologies and developments

With the development of deep space exploration technologies, main space agencies all over the world are working hard to develop the solar system interplanetary communication networks (SSICN). SSICN is a perspective communication networking system characterized by high data rate, high intelligent and perfect interconnection, which could provide the deep-space mission control and scientific application with the convenient, reliable and secure data transmission services. Following the introduction of future deep space exploration prospect, this paper analyzes the similarities and differences for three networks, terrestrial internet, near Earth space networks and SSICN, then discusses the key technologies and research trends of SSICN in details, and finally proposes the suggestions for the construction of future Chinese SSICN.