Reducing Cost and Complexity of Future Missions to Mars with a Microsatellite Constellation Providing a Shared Communications and GPS Service

Abstract

Proposes a constellation of small UHF repeater satellites in high Mars orbit that relay data through existing science orbiters and provide a positioning service, so that small landers, rovers and balloons need not carry their own deep-space radios. It outlines two ways to deploy it from a single 200 kg secondary payload: four fuelled 30 kg satellites, or seven smaller repeaters sent on their way by an electrodynamic tether. It argues that shared infrastructure of this kind makes frequent small missions affordable for Canada and other middle powers.

The PDF is reproduced unchanged from October 2002. The abstract above was written for this page.

Cite

@techreport{rowland2002marscomsat,
  author      = {Rowland, Simon},
  title       = {Reducing Cost and Complexity of Future Missions to Mars with a Microsatellite Constellation Providing a Shared Communications and GPS Service},
  institution = {Direct Leap Technologies, Inc.},
  address     = {Toronto},
  type        = {Concept proposal},
  year        = {2002},
  month       = oct,
  url         = {https://www.directleap.com/papers/mars-gps-comsat.pdf}
}