Infrastructure: Cis-Lunar Space Communications

Problem: DSN is over-loaded and outdated.  Lunar orbiters can send a lot of information back.  Lunar rovers can send even more.  Far side of the Moon has zero coverage (resulting in poor gravity models and data collection).

Solution: Earth-Moon communication infrastructure needs to be developed

Near markets (already exist)

• China, Japan, India, NASA - relay data for orbiters (continuous, far side, etc)

Mid markets (0-5 years)

• GLXP teams (sending HD video feeds will require extensive bandwidth)
• Companies formed out of GLXP - data is the best initial lunar product (sending electrons is free)
• NASA rovers/creation of better lunar gravity and environment models as a result of greater coverege and greater available data

Far-term  (5+ years)

• support of human return to the moon and establishment of lunar base
• commercial space activities
• far-side radio observatory - data transmission and communication
• lunar DSN - data relay to earth

Idea: governement subsidies for construction (just like transcontinental and trans-atlantic telegraphs).  Government subsidizes construction and as a result gets priority use.  When not being used by government time can be sold to commercial entities. 

Potential market already exists with government orbiters. Capability could be slowly increased with demand.  Such a system would increase return on investment for government science investments.  Could potentially be diversified by LEO communications or DSN augmented capabilities (ie as a relay station to mars).

Ideas?/Discussion?

Is communication going to be a problem?  Are there cheaper ways to fix the problem?  Can governments be persuaded to invest in the future and develop capabilities that will benefit them far into the future?

Sources:  Transcontinental subsidies from Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860.  Please post citation for specific legislation that provided trans-atlantic subsidy (could not be found)