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Relay communications for Mars exploration
Author(s) -
D. Edwards Charles
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of satellite communications and networking
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.388
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1542-0981
pISSN - 1542-0973
DOI - 10.1002/sat.871
Subject(s) - mars exploration program , relay , martian , exploration of mars , mars landing , spacecraft , computer science , space exploration , nasa deep space network , telecommunications , astrobiology , aerospace engineering , software deployment , deep space exploration , martian surface , power (physics) , engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , operating system
Abstract Telecommunication is an essential and challenging aspect of planetary exploration. For Mars landers, the constraints of mass, volume, power and energy typically limit their communications capabilities on the long‐distance link back to Earth. By deploying relay spacecraft in Martian orbit, these landers can achieve much greater data return and can obtain contact opportunities at times when Earth is not in view. Currently, both NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) have pursued this strategy, deploying relay payloads on their Mars science orbiters. This relay infrastructure has significantly benefited the science return from the 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers and is poised to support the Phoenix Lander and Mars Science Laboratory missions later this decade. Longer‐term plans call for continued growth in relay capability, greatly increasing data return from the Martian surface to enable exciting new Mars exploration concepts and advance our understanding of our planetary neighbour. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.