The development of weak signal communication techniques seems to have followed radio astronomy's advances. CCD's for example. For the longest time, the most sensitive photoelectric device just matched the acuity of the human eye. The utilization of more of the electromagnetic spectrum has given astronomers new insights in the understanding of our universe. There are still parts of the spectrum that do not penetrate to the ground but the first steps have been taken to eliminate this barrier.
Space astronomy is the new frontier.
We shall see. But that s another story.