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For near-earth communications, I don't see why they can not use the SpaceX network or similar instead. Tracking these tiny CubeSats with only 3 DSN dishes are i
by sinuhe69 3y ago
For near-earth communications, I don't see why they can not use the SpaceX network or similar instead. Tracking these tiny CubeSats with only 3 DSN dishes are insane! DSN should really work for deep-space missions only.
I believe that NASA recognized the problem and potential solutions, but they moved slowly probably due to their clunky bureaucracy.
> NASA relies on commercial ground stations for more than half of its ground station support for the agency's satellites in low-Earth orbit. NASA last year selected SpaceX, Amazon, Viasat, Telecast, SES, and Inmarsat to begin developing commercial capabilities to replace the government-owned Tracking and Data Relay Satellite network, which is used for near-continuous connectivity with the International Space Station and other satellites closer to Earth.
- ceejayoz 3y agoThose CubeSats were a deep-space mission. Out near the Moon. The TDRSS is separate from DSN. Expanding low-orbit options won't do anything to help here.
- JCharante 3y agoI didn’t realize Cubesats could go that far. That’s really great.
- PaulGaspardo 3y agoCubeSats have gone all the way to Mars even https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Cube_One https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Cube_One
- dotnet00 3y agoCubesats have been out as far as Mars. There were two which hitched a ride along Perseverance and deployed prior to Mars entry to serve as relays and collect data on the entry, descent and landing phases of the mission.
- Tangurena2 3y agoUkraine has been having trouble with the Starlink because Putin & Musk are pals. It isn't safe for our country to depend on someone that flaky.
- dismalpedigree 3y agoAny evidence to back up that claim?
- inemesitaffia 3y agoUkraine has been having issues because bills weren't paid in full