Laser, or optical, communications, distinct from traditional radio wave methods, are set to revolutionize how missions communicate. These systems provide substantially higher data rates, enabling the transmission of more information in a single communication compared to current radio systems. The core of this technology lies in using infrared light to compress data into tighter waves, thereby increasing the efficiency and volume of data received by ground stations on Earth. In practical terms, laser communication systems are expected to offer data rates 10 to 100 times higher than existing radio systems used in space missions.

The urgency for such advanced communication methods is underscored by the evolving nature of science instruments, which are increasingly capturing high-definition data. Under the current radio frequency systems, transmitting a complete map of Mars to Earth would take about nine weeks. With laser technology, this time frame could be reduced to approximately nine days.

In the pursuit of these advanced technologies, NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program has funded the development of a novel piece of laser technology through a collaboration with a small business, Fibertek Inc. This development has led to the creation of the Basestation Optical Laser Terminal, a four-channel laser unit pivotal for high-power communications to the Moon during the Artemis II flight test. Artemis II, an integral part of NASA's ambitious Artemis program, aims to send a crew of four astronauts around the Moon and return them safely, laying the groundwork for future extended human exploration missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.

This new technology, known as the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System, will utilize laser communications to transmit high-resolution images and video of the lunar region to two ground stations, including the Low-Cost Optical Terminal located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. An artist's illustration visualizes NASA's Orion spacecraft employing this laser communication, marked by a red beam of light, with the Moon in the background.

The integration and successful testing of Fibertek's technology into NASA's low-cost terminal ground station occurred in September 2023. The terminal, a telescope approximately 27 inches in diameter, is constructed predominantly from commercial off-the-shelf parts. This approach not only reduces costs but also makes the architecture scalable for future replication, setting a template for subsequent ground stations.

Highlighting the significance of this development, Dr. Jason Mitchell, director of SCaN's Advanced Communications and Navigation Technologies Division at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the importance of laser communications for meeting future communications and navigation needs. He acknowledged the crucial role American small businesses, like Fibertek Inc., play in establishing a robust domestic supply chain for such maturing technologies.

The development of the Basestation Optical Laser Terminal was also supported by NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and funded by NASA's Small Business Innovation Research Program. This program, known as America's Seed Fund, provides early-stage federal funding for innovative technologies that advance NASA's missions.

According to Nang Pham, SCaN small business project manager at NASA Glenn, this investment in laser communications technology represents a triple win - benefiting NASA, Fibertek, and any future system integrators or developers looking to leverage this technology.

Related Links
Laser Communications at NASA
Space Technology News - Applications and Research