\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA\u2019s Space Station Laser Comm Terminal Achieves First Link\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/jsc2023e064874orig.jpg?w=1536\")
<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\nNASA\u2019s ILLUMA-T payload at Goddard Space Flight Center fully tested and integrated prior to its delivery to Kennedy Space Center. <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCredits: <\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nA NASA technology experiment on the International Space Station completed its first laser link with an in-orbit laser relay system on Dec. 5, 2023. Together, they complete NASA\u2019s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s LCRD<\/a> (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration) and the new space station demonstration, ILLUMA-T<\/a> (Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal), successfully exchanged data for the first time. LCRD and ILLUMA-T are demonstrating how a user mission, in this case the space station, can benefit from a laser communications relay located in geosynchronous orbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"NASA\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/illuma-t-to-lcrd.jpg?w=1920\")
<\/figure>\nNASA\u2019s ILLUMA-T payload communicating with LCRD over laser signals.<\/div>\nNASA \/ Dave Ryan<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLaser communications, also known known as optical communications, uses infrared light rather than traditional radio waves to send and receive signals. The tighter wavelength of infrared light allows spacecraft to pack more data into each transmission. Using laser communications greatly increases the efficiency of data transfer and can lead to a faster pace of scientific discoveries.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/microsoftteams-image-89.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/figure>\nThe benefits of laser communications: more efficient, lighter systems, increased security, and more flexible ground systems.<\/div>\nNASA \/ Dave Ryan<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nOn Nov. 9, NASA\u2019s SpaceX 29th commercial resupply services mission launched cargo and new science experiments, including ILLUMA-T, to the space station. Following its arrival, the payload was installed onto the station\u2019s Japanese Experiment Module-Exposed Facility<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"SpaceX](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/crs-29-liftoff.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/figure>\nThe SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, on the company\u2019s 29th commercial resupply services mission for the agency to the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 8:28 p.m. EST. <\/div>\nSpaceX<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nILLUMA-T and LCRD are a part of the NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN<\/a>) program\u2019s effort to demonstrate<\/a> how laser communications technologies can significantly benefit science and exploration missions.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\u201cILLUMA-T\u2019s first link with LCRD \u2013 known as first light \u2013 is the latest demonstration proving that laser communications is the future.\u201d said Dr. Jason Mitchell, director of SCaN\u2019s Advanced Communications and Navigation Technology division. \u201cLaser communications will not only return more data from science missions, but could serve as NASA\u2019s critical, two-way link to keep astronauts connected to Earth as they explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
A NASA technology experiment on the International Space Station completed its first laser link with an in-orbit laser relay system on Dec. 5, 2023. Together, they complete NASA\u2019s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
NASA\u2019s LCRD<\/a> (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration) and the new space station demonstration, ILLUMA-T<\/a> (Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal), successfully exchanged data for the first time. LCRD and ILLUMA-T are demonstrating how a user mission, in this case the space station, can benefit from a laser communications relay located in geosynchronous orbit.<\/p>\n Laser communications, also known known as optical communications, uses infrared light rather than traditional radio waves to send and receive signals. The tighter wavelength of infrared light allows spacecraft to pack more data into each transmission. Using laser communications greatly increases the efficiency of data transfer and can lead to a faster pace of scientific discoveries.<\/p>\n On Nov. 9, NASA\u2019s SpaceX 29th commercial resupply services mission launched cargo and new science experiments, including ILLUMA-T, to the space station. Following its arrival, the payload was installed onto the station\u2019s Japanese Experiment Module-Exposed Facility<\/a>.<\/p>\n ILLUMA-T and LCRD are a part of the NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN<\/a>) program\u2019s effort to demonstrate<\/a> how laser communications technologies can significantly benefit science and exploration missions.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cILLUMA-T\u2019s first link with LCRD \u2013 known as first light \u2013 is the latest demonstration proving that laser communications is the future.\u201d said Dr. Jason Mitchell, director of SCaN\u2019s Advanced Communications and Navigation Technology division. \u201cLaser communications will not only return more data from science missions, but could serve as NASA\u2019s critical, two-way link to keep astronauts connected to Earth as they explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/figure><\/figure><\/figure>