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.