NASA Completes Initial Test of Laser Communications System

NASA has announced the first successful data exchange between the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration system and a terminal payload on the International Space Station.

The test’s goal was to demonstrate how optical communications in geosynchronous orbit can benefit missions like the ISS, NASA said Wednesday.

The space station received the Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal in November through a commercial resupply services mission conducted by SpaceX.

ILLUMA-T and LCRD are part of the agency’s Space Communications and Navigation program, which aims to demonstrate how laser communications can benefit science and exploration missions.

According to NASA, laser communications is more efficient than conventional radio frequency connectivity and can accelerate scientific efforts. The agency noted that the data exchange rate between ILLUMA-T and LCRD is 1.2 gigabits per second.

Jason Mitchell, director of SCaN’s advanced communications and navigation technology division, said laser communications could serve as a critical link between Earth and astronauts on “the Moon, Mars and beyond.”