Communication and Navigation for space flight on Europa

Considering the rather hostile radiation environment on Europa, what communication and navigation systems might be used with near-future manned spacecraft? What would the ranges and features of this equipment be?

I would be most interested to hear about the possible functionality of existing systems, such as VOR/DME, UHF/VHF radio comms, radar altimeters, or similar equivalents which a budding colony may distribute around the surface. Let's not assume the existence of a well-established GPS constellation nor availability of relay satellites, it is early days for my colony. My spacecraft will be orbital and suborbital short/medium-range transport craft, hopping from one outpost to another.

I have been struggling with documents like this: http://www.people.virginia.edu/~rej/papers09/Paranicas4003.pdf but it's a bit too much info for me. Are there low radiation areas or periodic low points which would be preferred for piloting activities?

What radiation monitors would be used on the space craft, and what are the most meaningful variables to present to the pilot?

Answers should work towards a Europa version of present day aircraft and Apollo-era spacecraft where possible. No subspace relays etc. If computers can be avoided or even explained away then that's great.

I'm not worried about the pilot radiation dose, lets assume an adequate level of shielding on the pilot and vehicle electronics. A good answer will provide a brief summary of the radiation environment as it pertains to space flight, radiation environment "weather" patterns, with focus on the impact of such radiation on the piloting spacecraft, radio signal reception, quality and range... factors like that.

posted about 8 years ago

Innovine‭

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