[Music]
Since 1958,
NASA has relied on radio wave
technology to “talk” with missions in space.
Today, we’re developing a
better way to get spacecraft data
back to Earth.
That’s where the Laser Communications Relay
Demonstration, or LCRD, comes in.
Built and managed by NASA’s
Goddard Space Flight Center,
LCRD will send and receive
near-infrared laser beams to and
from Earth.
As NASA’s first long-duration
test of optical communications technology,
the mission aims to perfect space and ground-based technologies.
So, why lasers?
Laser communications can
transmit up to 100 times more data
per second than previous systems
by using a shorter wavelength of energy.
With this increased bandwidth,
missions can send larger files
and even live high-definition
video from space.
Laser communications systems are
smaller and more efficient than radio wave technology.
They leave more room for science instruments,
are cheaper to launch and require less
energy onboard the spacecraft.
These benefits extend to
to receivers on the ground.
Earth-based laser communications receivers
can be up to 44 times smaller
than current radio antennas.
LCRD is the next step
in making these technologies a reality,
helping NASA to push the boundaries
of scientific discovery and exploration.
Eventually, NASA will integrate this technology
into future missions,
as well as share it with commercial companies.