Although the current system is suitable for today's needs, it may not be so for tomorrow's. Early this month, NASA posted an official request for information, or RFI, to begin technical discussion of the next generation of space communications.
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/f...-fi-more-works-nasas-space-internet-1C8855234
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/f...-fi-more-works-nasas-space-internet-1C8855234