Internet Satellite Challenges

Abstract

The current extension of communications, embracing terrestrial and space domains, raises a few legit questions in terms of business model, compatibility, and sustainability. Related to Internet satellites, this paper considers the following questions: Who are the US-based major operational Internet satellite organizations? What was the ambitious plan, and why did it fail? What are the basic incompatibilities of Internet and satellite communications, in terms of system philosophy, operational efficiency, and network architectures? Why are there so many difficulties for practical improvement? How to prevent large-scale Internet breakdowns? What may be the potential solutions?