New Kind of Orbit Could Ease Mars Communications

Posted by kdawson on Friday October 16, 2009 @03:02AM from the crossing-gravitational-gradients dept.

japan_dan writes "An interesting way to enable Earth-Mars communication when the Sun occludes the direct radio line-of-sight: ESA proposes placing a pair of continuous-thrusting relay satellites, using a solar electric propulsion system — one in front and ahead of Mars, the other behind and below — with both following non-Keplerian, so-called 'B-orbits'. This means the direction of thrust is perpendicular to the satellites' direction of flight, allowing them to 'hover' with both Earth and Mars in view. Quoting from the Q&A: 'We found that a pair of relay satellites would only have to switch on their thrusters for about 90 days out of every 2.13-year period, and this solution would only increase the one-way signal travel time by one minute, so it could be effective.'" Here is the paper describing non-Keplerian orbits (PDF).

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That's good news by Lord+Lode · 2009-10-16 03:05 · Score: 4, Funny

That's good news for the diplomatic Human / Martian relations.
Who needs full-time communications by Anonymous Coward · 2009-10-16 03:13 · Score: 5, Funny

Houston> We haven't talked for a day, what's up?
Mars rover> Hey, I moved one meter!
Houston> No shit!
1. Re:Who needs full-time communications by oldspewey · 2009-10-16 03:42 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Wow, I had the exact same conversation with my unemployed brother-in-law yesterday!
  
  --
  If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
Re:lets wake up here by fractalVisionz · 2009-10-16 03:26 · Score: 4, Funny

and let either private enterprise (?) explore space
I agree, even 6 year-olds are doing it.
Immature by ZinnHelden · 2009-10-16 03:45 · Score: 5, Funny

Sorry, I tried to read the summary but I didn't make it past 'continually-thrusting'.