The interconnected web of satellites, space stations, and orbital infrastructure that form the backbone of off-world communication, navigation, observation, and logistics. Think of it as the internet, GPS, and air traffic control combined, but stretched across the sphere of space around Earth (and eventually other planets). These networks enable real-time global connectivity, constant Earth monitoring, and the coordination of all space traffic, forming the essential nervous system for a spacefaring civilization.
Orbital Networks Example: SpaceX's Starlink constellation is a nascent Orbital Network for broadband internet. A future advanced network might include navigation sats around Mars (MarGPS), fuel depots in Lagrange points, relay satellites for the Moon's far side, and a chain of monitoring stations tracking space debris—all talking to each other to keep the celestial economy running.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 3, 2026
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