A record for the speed of data transmission through lasers to the moon and back

Today it became known that NASA experts set a record when transmitting data from Earth to the LADEE probe, and vice versa. It is worth recalling that this probe entered the work zone (235 km lunar orbit) only recently, on October 13. A few days later, on October 17, testing of the satellite systems was started. After that, scientists began to transfer data using lasers, more precisely, using the LLCD system (Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration).

The data transmission range in this case amounted to 385 thousand kilometers. The data transfer rate from the LADEE lunar orbiter to Earth was 622 megabits per second. Also, scientists have demonstrated the transfer of a data packet, without errors, at a speed of 20 megabits per second from a ground station in New Mexico to LADEE.
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According to scientists developing the current project, data transmission using a laser is a more promising technology than data transmission via radio waves. So, the transmission is conducted directionally, which requires less energy, and with the help of a laser you can transfer data at very high speed. The developers also reported that they are quite satisfied with the test result, and are starting to implement new phases.



With the help of this technology, it is planned to transmit and receive huge amounts of data, including high-resolution photos, 3D video and so on. Already in 2017, scientists are planning to test the LCRD system (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration), this will be a long-term project phase.

Via nasa