5 min read<\/p>\n
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Deep](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/1-pia26148-rf-optical-prototype.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/figure>\nDeep Space Station 13 at NASA\u2019s Goldstone complex in California \u2013 part of the agency\u2019s Deep Space Network \u2013 is an experimental antenna that has been retrofitted with an optical terminal. In a first, this proof of concept received both radio frequency and laser signals from deep space at the same time.<\/div>\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCapable of receiving both radio frequency and optical signals, the DSN\u2019s hybrid antenna has tracked and decoded the downlink laser from DSOC, aboard NASA\u2019s Psyche mission.<\/em><\/p>\nAn experimental antenna has received both radio frequency and near-infrared laser signals from NASA\u2019s Psyche<\/a> spacecraft as it travels through deep space. This shows it\u2019s possible for the giant dish antennas of NASA\u2019s Deep Space Network (DSN<\/a>), which communicate with spacecraft via radio waves, to be retrofitted for optical, or laser, communications.<\/p>\nBy packing more data into transmissions, optical communication will enable new space exploration capabilities while supporting the DSN as demand on the network grows<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2-pia26148-fig-a-optical-enclosure-close.png?w=998\")
<\/figure>\nA close-up of the optical terminal on Deep Space Station 13 shows seven hexagonal mirrors that collect signals from DSOC\u2019s downlink laser. The mirrors reflect the light into a camera directly above, and the signal is then sent to a detector via a system of optical fiber.<\/div>\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe 34-meter (112-foot) radio-frequency-optical-hybrid antenna, called Deep Space Station 13, has tracked the downlink laser from NASA\u2019s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC<\/a>) technology demonstration since November 2023. The tech demo\u2019s flight laser transceiver<\/a> is riding with the agency\u2019s Psyche spacecraft, which launched<\/a> on Oct. 13, 2023.<\/p>\nThe hybrid antenna is located at the DSN\u2019s Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, near Barstow, California, and isn\u2019t part of the DSOC experiment. The DSN, DSOC, and Psyche are managed by NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur hybrid antenna has been able to successfully and reliably lock onto and track the DSOC downlink since shortly after the tech demo launched,\u201d said Amy Smith, DSN deputy manager at JPL. \u201cIt also received Psyche\u2019s radio frequency signal, so we have demonstrated synchronous radio and optical frequency deep space communications for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Goldstone\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/e1-pia23617-hybrid-antenna-concept.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nNow that Goldstone\u2019s experimental hybrid antenna has proved that both radio and laser signals can be received synchronously by the same antenna, purpose-built hybrid antennas (like the one depicted here in an artist\u2019s concept) could one day become a reality.<\/div>\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"Project](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/e2-group-photo-download.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDuring a test of the experimental antenna, this photo of the project team at JPL was downlinked by the DSOC transceiver aboard Psyche. <\/div>\nNASA\/JPL-Caltech<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
<\/figure>Capable of receiving both radio frequency and optical signals, the DSN\u2019s hybrid antenna has tracked and decoded the downlink laser from DSOC, aboard NASA\u2019s Psyche mission.<\/em><\/p>\n An experimental antenna has received both radio frequency and near-infrared laser signals from NASA\u2019s Psyche<\/a> spacecraft as it travels through deep space. This shows it\u2019s possible for the giant dish antennas of NASA\u2019s Deep Space Network (DSN<\/a>), which communicate with spacecraft via radio waves, to be retrofitted for optical, or laser, communications.<\/p>\n By packing more data into transmissions, optical communication will enable new space exploration capabilities while supporting the DSN as demand on the network grows<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 34-meter (112-foot) radio-frequency-optical-hybrid antenna, called Deep Space Station 13, has tracked the downlink laser from NASA\u2019s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC<\/a>) technology demonstration since November 2023. The tech demo\u2019s flight laser transceiver<\/a> is riding with the agency\u2019s Psyche spacecraft, which launched<\/a> on Oct. 13, 2023.<\/p>\n The hybrid antenna is located at the DSN\u2019s Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, near Barstow, California, and isn\u2019t part of the DSOC experiment. The DSN, DSOC, and Psyche are managed by NASA\u2019s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.<\/p>\n \u201cOur hybrid antenna has been able to successfully and reliably lock onto and track the DSOC downlink since shortly after the tech demo launched,\u201d said Amy Smith, DSN deputy manager at JPL. \u201cIt also received Psyche\u2019s radio frequency signal, so we have demonstrated synchronous radio and optical frequency deep space communications for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/figure><\/figure><\/figure>