Internet on Mars: SpaceX unveils ‘Marslink’ proposal to NASA to bring high-speed internet connectivity to Mars
Nickie Louise
Posted On November 8, 2024
In a move that feels straight out of sci-fi, SpaceX has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal to NASA: “Marslink,” an adaptation of its Starlink satellite network, to deliver internet connectivity on Mars.
Presented to NASA early this week, Marslink aims to establish a high-speed data relay system—capable of transmitting 4 Mbps or more—across 1.5 astronomical units, the distance between Earth and Mars.
The concept envisions multiple satellites in Mars orbit, leveraging Starlink’s advanced laser communication technology to maintain a constant, near-instantaneous data flow between planets. This network could serve Mars missions, allowing real-time images and data streams from Mars to Earth, as well as supporting future ground operations and Mars orbit assets.
Commenting on the proposal, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared on X (formerly Twitter), “This is just a basic first step. Ultimately, Earth and Mars will need connectivity exceeding petabits per second.”
This is just a very basic first step.
Earth and Mars will ultimately need >petabit/sec connectivity. https://t.co/FBXeDQeczZ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 8, 2024
According to a NASA presentation, SpaceX is working on developing a Mars-specific version of its Starlink network. The project was discussed at Thursday’s meeting of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group, which supports NASA’s Mars missions.
According to SpaceFlight Now, NASA staff outlined plans to potentially purchase commercial services from aerospace companies for Mars exploration. This could include a contract with SpaceX, which currently provides Starlink satellite internet to more than 4 million users on Earth.
https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1854566909326262698
In May 2024, NASA awarded SpaceX a contract to explore adapting Starlink satellites for Martian communication, highlighting the agency’s interest in leveraging commercial technology for interplanetary missions.
This initiative aligns with SpaceX’s broader vision of establishing a human presence on Mars, as CEO Elon Musk has outlined plans for a self-sustaining city on the Red Planet within the next two decades.
The development of Marslink represents a significant step toward enabling robust communication infrastructure for future Mars exploration and colonization efforts.
