Feasibility of single and dual satellite systems to enable continuous communication capability to a manned Mars mission
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Authors
Gladem, Jennifer
Subjects
Mars
satellite communication
Deep Space Network (DSN)
Mars ground mission
manned Mars mission
Earth-Sun-Mars occlusion
signal limitations
orbital requirements
satellite communication
Deep Space Network (DSN)
Mars ground mission
manned Mars mission
Earth-Sun-Mars occlusion
signal limitations
orbital requirements
Advisors
Bursch, Daniel
Date of Issue
2014-09
Date
Sep-14
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s current proposed timeline for an interplanetary expedition is circa 2030. A manned Mars mission involves many complex requirements for communication with significant challenges including implementation, signal limitations, orbit requirements, and Earth-Sun-Mars occlusion. This analysis is focused on the potential advantages and disadvantages of potential orbits for maintaining communications with a manned mars mission. Areas analyzed will include signal limitations and possible improvements for Mars communication, through recommended frequency, the resulting signal to noise ratio, available channel capacity, and possible data rates of potential orbits. Ultimately, the purpose of this study is to determine (1) will one to two satellites be capable of maintaining continuous communication between a Mars orbit and a Mars ground mission, (2) will one to two satellites be capable of maintaining communication between Mars and Earth, likely through the Deep Space Network (DSN), (3) which frequency or frequencies will best suit Earth-Mars, and Mars relay communication, (4) how many satellites are necessary for continuous communication, including during Mars transit through the solar occlusion zone, and (5) what orbits are necessary to provide continuous communications throughout all the above mission regimes?
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Information Sciences (IS)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.