NASA has begun preparing communication infrastructure to support\nfuture Mars exploration. The United States space agency has appointed\nJeff Bezos\u2019s space company, Blue Origin, to develop the Mars\nTelecommunications Network (MTN), a communication network designed to\nconnect various missions on the Red Planet with Earth.<\/p>\n
NASA has awarded a contract with a maximum value of approximately\n$700 million to Blue Origin. Through this project, the company will\ndesign, develop, integrate, launch, and operate the Mars communication\nsystem.<\/p>\n
The telecommunications spacecraft, which is a core component of the\nnetwork, is targeted for delivery to NASA no later than 31 December\n2028, while the MTN is expected to begin operations around 2030.<\/p>\n
The MTN is designed as a high-capacity communication system that also\nsupports the navigation of various NASA missions on Mars. Spacecraft\norbiting Mars will be able to relay scientific data, images, navigation\ninformation, and critical communications from vehicles on the planet\u2019s\nsurface or in its vicinity.<\/p>\n
The need for a new network is increasing as Mars exploration\nactivities continue to expand. Currently, communication for rovers such\nas Curiosity and Perseverance is assisted by the Mars Odyssey and Mars\nReconnaissance Orbiter. Both spacecraft have been operational since 2001\nand 2005, respectively, meaning NASA requires new communication\ninfrastructure to support a greater number of future missions.<\/p>\n
Although the MTN can increase communication capacity and reliability,\nthe network will not enable real-time communication between Mars and\nEarth. The issue lies not in internet speed, but in the distance between\nplanets. Communication signals in outer space must travel vast distances\nat the speed of light.<\/p>\n
According to NASA, the time required for a signal to travel between\nEarth and Mars can take several minutes, depending on the positions of\nthe two planets. Consequently, astronauts on Mars will not be able to\nengage in live video calls with people on Earth as one would using video\ncalling applications. Messages sent must wait until the signal reaches\nits destination, and the same applies to replies.<\/p>\n
Therefore, the Mars communication network must be designed\ndifferently from the Earth-based internet. A relay system is used to\nreceive and forward data from spacecraft on Mars to Earth. This\ntechnology allows various missions to continue exchanging information\neven though communication is not instantaneous.<\/p>\n
With the MTN, NASA aims to build a stronger communication foundation\nfor long-term Mars exploration. However, this project still faces\nnatural limitations that technology cannot overcome. While the Mars\ninternet may become faster and more reliable, the communication delay\ncaused by the distance between Earth and Mars remains unavoidable.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/nasa-prepares-mars-communication-network-targeted-to-operate-by-2030-1788623574", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }