Re: Autonomous exploration of Alpha Centauri
A chain of weedy transmitters does not make a viable repeater chain
Reading comprehension failure #1
I said the sensor craft would have weak transmitters, the repeaters by definition would only be carrying a receiver & transmitter without the science package so they would not be weedy in the slightest.
While a RTG is one way and would be needed if there was constant comms traffic, but there wont be, it'll be a few bursts so a simpler energy supply would suffice and a Gigabit connection is not required, make it slow but reliable.
The science craft can work on solar power from Alpha C & P as can the repeaters near that end of the chain.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
