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A satellite at the {{L4}} or {{L5}} Earth–Sun [[Lagrangian point]] could serve as a relay during this period to solve the problem; even a constellation of communications satellites would be a minor expense in the context of a full colonization program. However, the size and power of the equipment needed for these distances make the L4 and L5 locations unrealistic for relay stations, and the inherent stability of these regions, although beneficial in terms of station-keeping, also attracts dust and asteroids, which could pose a risk.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stk.com/downloads/resources/user-resources/downloads/whitepapers/0201_sun_mars_lib_pts.pdf |format=PDF |title=Sun-Mars Libration Points and Mars Mission Simulations |publisher=Stk.com |date= |accessdate=2013-10-06 }}</ref> Despite that concern, the [[STEREO]] probes passed through the L4 and L5 regions without damage in late 2009.
Recent work by the [[University of Strathclyde]]'s Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory, in collaboration with the [[European Space Agency]], has suggested an alternative relay architecture based on highly non-[[Kepler orbit|Keplerian orbits]]. These are a special kind of orbit produced when continuous low-thrust propulsion, such as that produced from an ion engine or solar sail, modifies the natural trajectory of a spacecraft. Such an orbit would enable continuous communications during solar conjunction by allowing a relay spacecraft to "hover" above Mars, out of the orbital plane of the two planets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/25836/2/Macdonald_M_-_strathprints_-_A_novel_interplanetary_communications_relay_Aug_2010.pdf |format=PDF |title=A Novel Interplanetary Communications Relay |publisher= |date=August 2010 |accessdate=2011-02-14 }}</ref> Such a relay avoids the problems of satellites stationed at either L4 or L5 by being significantly closer to the surface of Mars while still maintaining continuous communication between the two planets.
==Robotic precursors==
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