Who Wants to Build a Global Space Network?
I do!
Who am I?
My name is Robert Brand and although I am part of the Echoes Of Apollo group, this proposal is from me personally. Echoes of Apollo has been kind enough to allow me to tell others about this opportunity. They are in no way involved in the project at this time.
I am working on a bold plan to build a Deep Space Network capable of communicating with distant spacecraft. It would be used for a large variety of missions from low earth orbit to distant planets, but would have significant other uses such as satellite Telemetry, Tracking and Control as well education and science. We are in the feasibility stage and there are plenty of technical hurdles to jump before this could ever happen. I invite all those with infrastructure that could be used for such a network to contact me. It is important to us to be able to have all the options on the table before we move forward with this.
Okay, so How is this Possible?
It would cost US$100M and more to construct a new network and who has that money? Well, we simply are using older infrastructure that we will own or lease as part of that network. We will apply for government grants in countries where the assets are located and we will also organise a number of stakeholders who may want preferential rates once the system is operational.
Where are the dishes located?
The dishes that we wish to bring into the Network are distributed evenly around the world.
Western Europe: we have access to several 30m (100ft) dishes
North America: We are looking to buy a 30m (100ft) dish
Australia: we are looking to have a long term lease on a 30m (100ft) dish.
Why 30m Dishes?
We need the “gain” or” amplification” provided by a large dish to ensure reliable deep space communications. The network is only as good as the weakest link so 30m is a good size. The dishes are capable of tracking rapidly for satellites in low earth orbit and upgrades will increase the speed of tracking.
How Reliable will it be?
Very reliable. The dishes are either currently in use and well maintained or will be brought back to close to factory specifications. The drive systems will most likely be upgraded and new tracking and electronics installed.
What will the Network Look Like?
It will be a global redundant fiber optic loop linking all systems. This will include exit and entry points from each site and hopefully via different carriers and different cables and routes. The low delay of fiber optic networks are also a bonus with few when controlling remote sites. Data Access points will be available in Europe, USA and Australia. The centers will be able to provide standard services to those launching spacecraft into orbit or those launching missions to other destinations in our solar system.
How Sensitive will the Network be?
We will strive to make the system as sensitive as possible and in some centers may even have separate transmit and receive dishes to increase the sensitivity for communicating with distant sites and spacecraft.
Who will Use the Network?
A wide range of users from the space sector, science and education. it is even expected that at some sites, amateur radio operators will have access for space based communications. Research and education access is expected to be available when missions are not scheduled.
With the new direction from the US government, many new launch facilities are being built and the need for comprehensive coverage of space missions will increase. Even the Google Lunar Xprize is likely to create massive need for new communications services.
Who can get Involved?
We are looking for customers, stakeholders, volunteers, shareholders and a wide variety of end users especially those from the education sector. We are looking to build the optimum system that can give the right priorities to those needing the services. Needs must be specified early in the process for the right components to be put in place.
What is does the Business Model look like?
The business model looks sound as the costs to build the network are very low, however we need more data. We need to understand the possible end user requirements to complete the model and better understand the costs of equipping each site. With more data comes more accuracy and certainty.
Who Will Run the Network
Professionals with the highest standards run by managers with experience in the field of tracking. The network will grow and be operated by local staff in each country.
Physical Security of the Sites?
In addition to data security and security ratings of the professionals running the sites, the site are located in secure environments with controlled access. Security will be increased to ensure operations are not interrupted during critical phases of operations.
Is more planning Required?
Yes. This will be the single greatest workload for the foreseeable future. Preparing solid plans and requests for grants will be key to success. We will need to finance these activities and welcome suggestions from future stakeholders about opportunities to fund the approach to governments.
Region Specifics:
Australia: We will need to partner with an education group such as a university to qualify for a government grant to lease and carry out the modifications to an existing operational dish and will need to do so quickly.
North America: We will need a grant to lease of buy the site and refurbish the site with the appropriate technology .
Europe: We will need a grant to add the desired technology to the site and upgrade the tracking system
Robert Brand. Sydney Australia
Who do we Contact for More Information?
At this time please refer all contact to me personally. I am located in Australia and can be reached via the following contacts:
Robert Brand
robert.brand@altnet.com.au
+61 401 947 377 (within Australia 0401 947 377)
Please note the time difference is 10 hours ahead of GMT and at the time of writing 11 hours ahead due to daylight saving
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