NASA announced two space missions that will test laser communications to improve broadband connectivity for deep space missions

Briefing

NASA announced two space missions that will test laser communications to improve broadband connectivity for deep space missions

February 23, 2017

Briefing

  • Two Space Missions – NASA announced two space missions to explore feasibility of laser communications in delivering fast broadband speed for deep space missions
  • Faster Broadband Connectivity – Can increase current Internet speeds of few megabytes per second using radio wave technology by 10-100 times
  • 2019 Mission – Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) mission launching in 2019 will test laser communications in geostationary orbit
  • 2023 Mission – Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) mission, which will launch in 2023, will test laser communications across longer distances
  • Applications – Can enable NASA researchers to send and gather data, images, and videos faster

Accelerator

Sector

Government (excluding military), Information Technology

Organization

NASA

Source

Original Publication Date

February 15, 2017

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