🚀 go-pugleaf

In an article bbc@rice.edu (Benjamin Chase) writes:
>cmcmanis@stpeter.Eng.Sun.COM (Chuck McManis) writes:
>> [Can the problem of martian rovers be helped by postulating a
>> orbiting powersat, which could beam (eg.) microwaves down to a rover?]

>It is more helpful for the satellite to act as a powerful
>communication link to earth.  Put large antennas, good amplifiers and
>ample power onto a geostationary satellite...

   Consider (for an advanced colony) a network of Motorola polar-orbit
communications satellites, similar to what they are planning for earth.
Then these micros could carry portable phones... 8-)
   An argument pro-micro: remember that anything one sends to Mars will
be outdated by the time it actually arrives.  The Hubble was built with 
that in mind -- modularity.  But on Mars, who will replace the modules?

>So, can these small cat-like rovers get back on their feet after a
>fall or stumble?

   Comm        : Hello, LifeAlert.
   Synth Voice : HELP! I've fallen... and I can't get up!
   Comm        : Don't worry micro-34, I'm calling your neighbor and police.

Eric G. Bolinger  8-)
arh@sage.cc.purdue.edu

-- 

   [I have the right to state my opinion as well as you have your right to
    state your opinion about my opinion.]