Space

How to build an internet on Mars

Future Red Planet inhabitants will need new and improved ways to connect

An astronaut on Mars looks at a tablet device with the Red Planet landscape, base station and rover in the background

Today's communications infrastructure couldn't support the needs of future Mars inhabitants.

GLENN HARVEY

By Payal Dhar

When astronauts land on Mars, a couple of decades from now, perhaps, they’ll need to find a way to communicate — with each other, with equipment on and around the planet, and with mission control back on Earth. Despite living so far from home, they’ll no doubt want to connect with loved ones, keep their playlists up-to-date or stream the latest episodes of their favorite shows.