SpaceX Proposes “Marslink” Concept for Interplanetary Communications in Collaboration with NASA

Key Points

• During a NASA meeting, SpaceX has proposed “Marslink,” a Starlink-based communication network for Mars.
• NASA is exploring commercial collaboration to develop next-generation relay services for Mars missions.
• Marslink could handle data across 1.5 astronomical units (AU), allowing robust Mars-Earth communication through Starlink’s laser tech.
• NASA reported significant interest from multiple companies and plans to continue collaboration discussions into 2025.

According to a NASA presentation at the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) meeting, SpaceX presented a new project concept, “Marslink,” a satellite communication network to support future Mars exploration. MEPAG, an organization focused on advancing Mars exploration, revealed that NASA has encouraged commercial space companies, including SpaceX, to submit proposals for innovative Mars-related technology.

The next discussion from today's Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group meeting is titled "Mars Exploration Program (MEP): Commercial Services Studies."

Follow this thread for updates. 🧵1/n pic.twitter.com/3shhlRGn7n

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) November 7, 2024

During Thursday’s meeting, NASA staff discussed possible collaborations with commercial companies like SpaceX, which currently operates Starlink, a satellite-based internet service serving over four million users globally. In NASA’s presentation slides, SpaceX’s Marslink concept was highlighted as part of a push for “next-generation relay services” that could reliably handle data transfers across the vast distance between Mars and Earth—about 1.5 astronomical units (AU), or the current average distance between Mars and the Sun.

Marslink is envisioned as an extension of SpaceX’s Starlink technology. The project involves placing multiple satellites in Mars’ orbit to ensure complete data coverage for assets on both the planet’s surface and in its orbit. Equipped with Starlink’s laser-based communication system, these satellites could transmit data at high speeds across interplanetary distances, helping relay signals to Earth, which would be vital for Martian exploration missions. SpaceX’s proposal indicates that Marslink would exceed NASA’s minimum requirements, potentially offering data rates of at least 4 Mbps capable of imaging and planetary monitoring.

This presentation provides insight into SpaceX’s broader vision for Starlink’s future as an interplanetary communication platform. This vision aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s aspiration to colonize Mars. Musk has long advocated using Starlink to support spacecraft communications and future Mars settlements. Interestingly, the Starlink platform itself includes Mars-themed “easter eggs,” or hidden references, within its hardware, app, and terms of service.

NASA’s initiative is not limited to SpaceX. According to the presentation, several companies beyond the study participants have shown interest in providing interplanetary communication services. NASA plans to continue discussions with SpaceX and other industry players throughout the next year.

In related developments, NASA recently achieved a sustained data rate of 6.25 Mbps from a distance of about 240 million miles using a laser system on a spacecraft. This accomplishment demonstrates the potential of high-speed, long-distance space communication—a crucial component for future Mars missions.