Artemis 2 will use lasers to beam high-definition video from the moon (video)

NASA's Artemis program is a major initiative to send humans back to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence on its surface by the end of the decade. One of the key technologies being developed for the program is laser communications, which promises to revolutionize the way we communicate in space.

Recently, NASA released a video showcasing the laser communications technology that will be used on the Artemis II mission, which is slated for launch in 2023. The video provides a fascinating glimpse into how the technology works and what benefits it offers over

traditional radio-frequency communications.

Unlike radio-frequency communications, which rely on radio waves to transmit information, laser communications use a narrow beam of light to send and receive data. This has several advantages, including faster data rates, higher bandwidth, and lower power consumption. Laser communications can transmit data at speeds of up to 100 times faster than traditional radio-frequency communications, which makes it an ideal technology for deep space missions.

The video shows how the laser communications technology is being tested at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. It demonstrates how the system works by sending a laser beam from a ground station to a test spacecraft orbiting the Earth. The spacecraft then sends a laser beam back to the ground station, and the data is transmitted between the two using the laser beams.

The video also highlights some of the challenges that come with laser communications technology, such as atmospheric interference and the need for highly precise pointing and tracking systems. However, despite these challenges, NASA is confident that laser communications will play a critical role in the success of the Artemis program and future deep space missions.

Overall, the video provides an exciting look at the future of space communications and the technology that will enable us to explore the cosmos in new and exciting ways. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, laser communications will undoubtedly play a key role in helping us achieve our goals.

Credits : https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-2-laser-communications-video

Edited by : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-s-148458221/