Laser Communications Relay Demonstration
The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) is a NASA mission to use laser light to transfer data from orbit to ground and all around the solar system.[1]
The LCRD mission was selected for development in 2011, with launch on board a commercial satellite scheduled for 2017.[2] The technology demonstration payload will be positioned above the equator, a prime location for line-of-sight to other orbiting satellites and ground stations. Space laser communications technology has the potential to provide 10 to 100 times higher data rates than traditional radio frequency systems for the same mass and power. Alternatively, numerous NASA studies have shown that a laser communications system will use less mass and power than a radio frequency system for the same data rate.[3]
The LCRD mission is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.[3]
References
- ^ "Laser Comm: That's a Bright Idea". NASA.
- ^ "Space Laser To Prove Increased Broadband Possible". NASA. 28 August 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
- ^ a b "Goddard Press Release No. 12-074". NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
External links
 | This article about one or more communications satellites is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |