NASA's Laser Communication

Houston We Have a Podcast: Laser Communications

NASA is developing laser communication systems to transmit data between spacecraft and Earth at much faster rates than traditional radio-frequency (RF) systems. Laser communication systems can transmit data at a rate of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), which is about 100 times faster than RF systems. This means that a laser communication system could transmit a high-definition movie in just a few minutes, while an RF system would take hours or even days to transmit the same file.

Laser communication systems are also more secure than RF systems, because the laser beam can be focused very tightly, making it difficult to intercept. This makes laser communication an ideal technology for transmitting sensitive data, such as classified information or medical records.

NASA is developing laser communication systems for a variety of applications, including:

• Deep-space communications: Laser communication systems could be used to transmit data from spacecraft that are exploring the outer solar system, such as the Parker Solar Probe and the Mars Science Laboratory.
• Human spaceflight communications: Laser communication systems could be used to transmit data from astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) back to Earth.
• Earth observation communications: Laser communication systems could be used to transmit data from Earth observation satellites back to Earth.

NASA is also working to develop laser communication systems that can operate in harsh environments, such as the atmosphere of Mars and the radiation-filled environment of space.