As for showing the difficulties through a simulation, we have developed our very own game: MARS OPS. You will have to attempt to communicate, from an Earth Laboratory to a Mars Communication Station.  

You will have to build a device from scratch with laboratory items. Your MISSION is to succeed at getting the message across. We will show you the complications of Earth to Mars Communication through two different levels: Easy and Difficult.

LEVELS

a) EASY: Both planets are in the ideal position for communication. 

b) DIFFICULT: There’s Solar Conjunction.

Phase 1: You put the Satellite together

Phase 2: You insert the message

Phase 3: The radio wave is sent

Phase 4(a): It reaches Mars and it ends with a congratulatory message

Phase 4(b): It hits the Sun and it ends with a failure message

HOWEVER

Because of the Solar Conjunction, NASA abstains from sending messages and commands to Mars whenever this phenomenon occurs. We believe this is not an ideal situation so we devised a solution.

To improve Earth - Mars Communication, mediator satellites are required. Our Solution offers the idea of adding FOUR satellites that would orbit the sun. These satellites would mimic NASA's Solar Orbiter's functioning. Our satellites would be positioned at 90 degrees from each other, and they would be in charge of transmitting the electromagnetic signals of a message when there is solar conjunction between Mars and the Earth.

This satellite network would be linked in such a way that, when an electromagnetic wave is sent from Earth or Mars, it would reach one of our solar satellites. Once there, the satellite would send it to all other satellites, like a broadcast, until it gets to its destination. This ensures that the message arrives as complete as possible.