NASA and SpaceX should start architecting a Deep Space Network 2.0 relying on more space based relays so that we do need to rely on giant ground based antennae.
Stick a relay at the midpoint between earth / Voyager 1 so it gets a signal that’s 4x as strong. Unfortunately that’s still really weak so it needs a huge dish, and orbital mechanics means it can’s stay in that position.
We’re better off sending out probes that send stronger signals and just build huge ground based systems. At least until space based manufacturing becomes practical.
PS: Where relays make sense is for probes on the surface of a planet etc communicating with something in orbit which then sends signals to earth.
Retric|1 year ago
Stick a relay at the midpoint between earth / Voyager 1 so it gets a signal that’s 4x as strong. Unfortunately that’s still really weak so it needs a huge dish, and orbital mechanics means it can’s stay in that position.
We’re better off sending out probes that send stronger signals and just build huge ground based systems. At least until space based manufacturing becomes practical.
PS: Where relays make sense is for probes on the surface of a planet etc communicating with something in orbit which then sends signals to earth.