Musk's Starlink Equivalent For Mars? What Is It?

Image: Pexels

5 November 2024

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX is working on a Starlink equivalent for Mars.


Image: Wikimedia

The project was mentioned during Thursday's (Nov 7) meeting for the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG).


Image: X

Under the proposed pitch to NASA, SpaceX will place multiple satellites in Mars orbit to provide "full visibility and interoperability for the ground and orbital assets".


Image: Pexels

Starlink will leverage its advanced laser communication tech to maintain a constant data flow between planets.


Image: Pexels

The high-speed data relay system will be capable of transmitting 4 MBPS or more, across 1.5 astronomical units which is the distance between Earth and Mars.


Image: Pexels

Musk took to X to confirm the development, adding that the ultimate goal was to increase the speed of data transfer.


Image: Wikimedia

"This is just a very basic first step. Earth and Mars will ultimately need >petabit/sec connectivity," Musk said on X.


Image: Wikimedia

Starlink has been a revolutionary piece of tech which allows users to access high-speed internet from any corner of the planet.


Image: Wikimedia

Using thousands of satellites in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the internet data is beamed through radio signals.


Image: Wikimedia

This type of internet service does not require overhead or underground wires, making it accessible for users in precarious conditions.


Image: Wikimedia

During Hurricane Helene, Starlink proved to be a lifesaver as those stranded in difficult situations managed to communicate via it.


Image: Starlink

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