August 25th 2041
Communication between Earth and Mars is dependent on transmitters set up at Alpha Base. These produce a weak signal that can be picked up by powerful receivers back on Earth. This system has worked fine since the first team arrived last year, but it has some significant weaknesses. For example, radio signals can only be sent and received when there is 'line of sight' between Alpha Base and receiving stations on earth.
In order to ease this problem, the Martian Project has always included the idea of placing satellites in Mars orbit to act as relays. The first of these came on-line today. The Nirgal X1 was launched directly from earth and travelled on a long transitional trajectory which enabled it to enter Martian orbit without the use of a heat shield (an essential element of the Hab mission architecture).
Nirgal X1 entered Martian orbit two weeks ago and has been using its electrical solar powered ion motor to slowly move into an areosynchronus orbit holding a position to the south-east of Alpha Base. This will be the first of three Nirgal satellites which will provide a continuous line-of-sight link between Alpha Base, Earth and any future exploratory team or base.
The Nirgal satellites are being built in the UK and contain some of the most advance communications technology available today. A key issue has been the need to increase the working life of the satellites since it will be more difficult to repair or replace them than it would be in Earth orbit. Many of their systems therefore have a high degree of multiple redundancy - meaning that the satellite can still function even if it is severely damaged or eroded.
Nirgal X1 weights just over five tonnes. In addition to communications it is also equipped with imaging devices that will be used for weather research and geological study.
The second Nirgal satellite is due to arrive next year.
Communication between Earth and Mars is dependent on transmitters set up at Alpha Base. These produce a weak signal that can be picked up by powerful receivers back on Earth. This system has worked fine since the first team arrived last year, but it has some significant weaknesses. For example, radio signals can only be sent and received when there is 'line of sight' between Alpha Base and receiving stations on earth.
In order to ease this problem, the Martian Project has always included the idea of placing satellites in Mars orbit to act as relays. The first of these came on-line today. The Nirgal X1 was launched directly from earth and travelled on a long transitional trajectory which enabled it to enter Martian orbit without the use of a heat shield (an essential element of the Hab mission architecture).
Nirgal X1 entered Martian orbit two weeks ago and has been using its electrical solar powered ion motor to slowly move into an areosynchronus orbit holding a position to the south-east of Alpha Base. This will be the first of three Nirgal satellites which will provide a continuous line-of-sight link between Alpha Base, Earth and any future exploratory team or base.
The Nirgal satellites are being built in the UK and contain some of the most advance communications technology available today. A key issue has been the need to increase the working life of the satellites since it will be more difficult to repair or replace them than it would be in Earth orbit. Many of their systems therefore have a high degree of multiple redundancy - meaning that the satellite can still function even if it is severely damaged or eroded.
Nirgal X1 weights just over five tonnes. In addition to communications it is also equipped with imaging devices that will be used for weather research and geological study.
The second Nirgal satellite is due to arrive next year.