SpaceX, known for its Starlink project in providing global internet communication, is considering a similar Marslink network to provide communication for missions to Mars. At a recent meeting of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group, NASA presented three communication concepts for Mars, one of which is SpaceX’s proposal — a constellation of satellites placed in orbit of the Red Planet for constant communication with Martian missions.
Now SpaceX is actively developing the Starlink network, which already has more than 7,000 satellites orbiting the Earth and operates in 102 countries. The company’s goal is to launch up to 42,000 satellites, covering most of the planet. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, also plans to colonize Mars, considering it one of the company’s most ambitious projects. The launch of the Marslink network will be a step toward creating a stable infrastructure to support human missions to the Red Planet.
SpaceX competitor proposals
In addition to SpaceX, NASA is also considering proposals from Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin. Blue Origin proposes to use its Blue Ring orbiter, which provides hosting, transportation and data transfer in space, as well as cloud computing support. Blue Ring will be tested during the Pentagon-funded DarkSky-1 mission, but an exact launch date hasn’t been set yet.
9/ DRM 4 focuses on communication to and from Mars. pic.twitter.com/JwSVSNoE1s
— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) November 7, 2024
Lockheed Martin is proposing to use the MAVEN spacecraft, designed to explore the atmosphere of Mars. MAVEN, launched in 2013, will be placed into an orbit that will allow it to function as a data transmitter, similar to NASA’s Deep Space Network system.
Laser communication for increased data transmission speed
NASA plans to rely on commercial partners to explore Mars, hoping the private sector will help establish a long-term human presence on the Red Planet. The space agency is also working to develop laser communications for deep space, which will provide more reliable data transmission.
Ensuring stable communications on Mars is critical for future missions and an important step in building the infrastructure that will support a permanent human presence on the Red Planet.
Provided by pcmag.com
