[net.space] Deep Space Relay Dishes to keep track of Pioneer's signal

AMSLER@SRI-AI.ARPA (06/15/83)

From:  Robert Amsler <AMSLER@SRI-AI.ARPA>

I have often wondered whether it would be possible to launch relay
dishes to receive and amplify fading signals from a previously
launched spacecraft such as Pioneer. Following in its trajectory and
perhaps even homing on its faint signal, they would receive and re
transmit the signal to Earth. Could a receiving dish adequate to
serve as a useful relay be sent out. For that matter, could it
be put into orbit around the sun along with others to form a virtual
deep space receiver system?
-------