The successful completion of the first bidirectional laser communication link between the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) and the integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) on the International Space Station marks a significant advance in space communication technology.
NASA Illuma-T loads in Goddard cleanrooms. The payload was installed on the International Space Station to demonstrate higher data transfer rates in conjunction with NASA's laser communication relay demonstration. Fact**: Dennis Henry.
On December 5, 2023, NASA completed the first laser link to an on-orbit laser relay system in a technical experiment on the International Space Station. Together, they completed NASA's first bidirectional, end-to-end laser relay system.
NASA's LCRD (Laser Communications Relay Demo) and the new space station demo Illuma-T (Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) successfully exchanged data for the first time. LCRD and ILLUMA-T demonstrate how a user mission, in this case, a space station, can benefit from a laser communication repeater in geosynchronous orbit.
NASA's ILLUMA-T payload communicates with the LCRD via a laser signal. Material**: NASA D**e Ryan
Laser communication uses infrared rays instead of traditional radio waves to send and receive signals. Infrared light has a narrower wavelength, so the spacecraft can contain more data in each transmission. The use of laser communication can greatly improve the efficiency of data transmission and accelerate the pace of scientific discovery.
Benefits of laser communication: more efficient, lighter systems, higher security, and more flexible ground systems. **nasa / d**e ryan
On Nov. 9, NASA's SpaceX 29th Commercial Supply Service mission sent cargo and new scientific experiments to the space station, including Illuma-T. Upon arrival, the payload was installed on the Japanese experimental module of the space station - the Exposure Facility.
November 9, 2023, carrying"Dragons"The spacecraft's SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA 39A launch site at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company's 29th commercial resupply service mission to the International Space Station for NASA. Dragons"Scientific research, technology demonstrations, crew replenishment and hardware will be delivered to the space station in support of the Expedition 70 crew, including NASA's Integrated Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) and Atmospheric Wave Experiment (AWE). *nasa/kim shiflett
ILLUMA-T and LCRD are part of NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCAN) program, which aims to demonstrate how laser communication technology can bring tremendous benefits to scientific and exploration missions.
The first connection of ILLUMA-T to LCRD (called"The first light"is the latest demonstration to prove that laser communication is the trend of the future. "Not only will laser communications send more data back from scientific missions, but they will also serve as a key two-way link for NASA, allowing astronauts to stay connected to Earth as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond.
NASA's ILLUMA-T payload was made possible using LCRD"The first ray of light"。In this paragraph, Matt Magsaten explains:"The first ray of light"milestones. Source**: NASA.
Soon after the station was installed, operational engineers began on-orbit testing to ensure that the ILLUMA-T payload was functioning properly. Now, it is communicating with LCRD, a repeater launched in 2021 that has been configured more than 300 times to help NASA refine its laser communication technology. LCRD and ILLUMA-T are operating at 12Gbps speed to exchange data.
Experiments have shown that we are able to overcome the technical challenges of successfully implementing space communications using laser communications. We are now conducting operational demonstrations and experiments that will allow us to optimize the infusion of proven technologies into our missions, thereby maximizing our exploration and science"said D**id Israel, Spatial Communications and Navigation Architect at NASA.
NASA Laser Communication Roadmap. **nasa / d**e ryan
LCRD experiments are conducted in collaboration with industry, academia, and other ** institutions. ILLUMA-T is now LCRD's first space user experiment. NASA is still undergoing experiments in collaboration with LCRD.
Compilation**: scitechdaily