Chapter members might find this IEEE Explore article interesting. It explains how planetary space exploration increasingly will rely upon robots (like the Mars rovers) for exploration. In particular, NASA and other space agencies are looking to place humans in orbit around Mars and use them to control more detailed exploration by remotely controlling robots on the surface. DTN will play a critical role in providing reliable data communication within the constrained network environments of outer space and the planetary surface itself.
METERON is a joint project, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), with support by NASA, that is evaluating and demonstrating DTN and other technologies for use in future human exploration of space.