Improving Small Satellite Communications in Deep Space: A Review of the Existing Systems and Technologies with Recommendations for Improvement, Part II

This paper is the second of a three-part series in which we present the results of a study exploring concepts for improving communications and tracking capabilities of deep space SmallSats. In Part I, we discussed SmallSat direct-to-Earth links and SmallSat communications equipment, and provided recommendations for future work. In Part II, we focus on SmallSat navigation options, Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), proximity links, and the use of the communication link for science observations. This part provides recommendations for future work as well.