IPN-V: The Interplanetary Network Visualizer

TL;DR

IPN-v introduces a Unity3D/C# visualization framework for interplanetary networks, addressing the need to depict dynamic, time-evolving topologies under DTN-like constraints using Keplerian $2$-body dynamics. It couples an IPN-d compute module with a WebGL-based 3D viewer and JSON-based inputs/exports (including ION/HDTN formats) to enable end-to-end visualization and planning. Evaluation shows the tool maintaining up to $60$ FPS with thousands of visible contacts and modest memory usage on consumer hardware, while outlining ongoing work on export interoperability, filtering, and open-source licensing. This work advances education and planning in interplanetary networking by providing an accessible, extensible platform that merges astrodynamics with network engineering.

Abstract

The Interplanetary Network (IPN) emerges as the backbone for communication between various spacecraft and satellites orbiting distant celestial bodies. This paper introduces the Interplanetary Network Visualizer (IPN-V), a software platform that integrates interplanetary communications planning support, education, and outreach. IPN-V bridges the gap between the complexities of astrodynamics and network engineering by enabling the generation and assessment of dynamic, realistic network topologies that encapsulate the inherent challenges of space communication, such as time-evolving latencies and planetary occlusions. Leveraging the power of Unity 3D and C#, IPN-V provides a user-friendly 3D interface for the interactive visualization of interplanetary networks, incorporating contact tracing models to represent line-of-sight communication constraints accurately. IPN-V supports importing and exporting contact plans compatible with established space communication standards, including NASA's ION and HDTN formats. This paper delineates the conception, architecture, and operational framework of IPN-V while evaluating its performance metrics.

Figures (5)

• Figure 1: Screenshots of scenarios generated with IPN-v (1/2).
• Figure 2: Screenshots of scenarios generated with IPN-v (2/2).
• Figure 3: IPN-v Architecture.
• Figure 4: Screenshots of Pluto without (top) and with (bottom) origin shift in Unity.
• Figure 5: Screenshot of a scene with 1842 visible contacts around Mars.