I think something that is a must have, especially before we make any missions to Mars, is some kind of interplanetary communications network. Some network of satellites around the solar system to allow smaller crafts to send information to earth without having to spend so much time and energy to transmit it ALL the way from wherever it is to Earth.

Like say we had a dish dedicated to sending data from Jupiter to Earth. Any smaller craft can now send its data to that dish who sends it to Earth for it, instead of the small craft needing all the power to send it all the way to Earth.

My idea for a reliable form of communication for a Mars mission would be having a craft or two orbit close to the sun. A message can be sent to the sun from Mars or Earth relatively easily, then be transmitted to one or the other. Allowing for constant communication even when Mars is far away from our orbit.

The communication dishes near the sun could easily be solar powered too, because its so close to the sun.

Any thoughts? On the communication network in general, or specifically the network that would let us stay in contact with Mars.