NASA SCaN - Solar System Internet Software Development and Testing - SIP

Communication in space environments is challenging due to the extreme distances involved, signal propagation delays, and disrupted networks that lack end-to-end connectivity. Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) is a suite of communications protocols and algorithms that was designed by NASA to address these issues and to operate effectively in such environments, achieving reliable automated network communications for space missions by using the bundle protocol, which forms a store-and-forward overlay network.

The High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking project at NASA Glenn Research Center is developing a high-speed implementation of DTN to enhance future space missions. This technology aims to support missions such as Artemis, LunaNet, Lunar Gateway, and upgrades to the International Space Station (ISS). An overview of the project may be found at: https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/space/scan/acs/tech-studies/dtn/
https://github.com/nasa/HDTN

In Summer of 2025, the HDTN project will focus on developing software features to meet the needs of future missions, while ensuring compliance with NASA’s flight software practices and standards.

Duties and responsibilities of the intern:
   • Participating in the entire software lifecycle, which includes writing requirements,                      implementing new features, writing design documentation, and conducting testing
   • Utilizing specialized hardware to emulate complex space networking scenarios
   • Working in a multi-organization team with team members of diverse technical                           backgrounds
   • Actively seeking out assistance from other students, mentor(s), and other members of           the DTN team when needed
   • Demonstrating work to others at NASA through presentations and/or publications

Desired Qualifications:
   • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, JavaScript, and/or Python
   • Adherence to software engineering practices
   • Understanding of computer networking protocols
   • Experience in developing and deploying test automation (CI/CD)

Computer/Software Skills: Experience with C++, Python, Linux and software engineering is desirable. Experience with Boost, ZeroMQ, and CMake is desired but not required.

NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program Office, a division of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, provides programmatic oversight of NASA's networks, advanced communication technologies, and other space communication requirements. These capabilities form the backbone of all NASA missions, providing critical connectivity from spacecraft to ground. SCaN provides the strategic guidance necessary to ensure NASA's space communication resources continue to meet the needs of their customers and the agency for years to come. SCaN is actively engaged in the wider international community dedicated to interoperability and compatibility for space communications and navigation.

To learn more: https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/index.html. To learn more about the SCaN Intern Project (SIP) at NASA GRC, visit https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/space/scan/business/psc/scan-intern-project/. Glenn Core Competency: Communications Technology and Development.