Tag: Laser
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Laser communication: the future of communicating in space
Laser communications, an ever so important factor for the future of space exploration, has seen some important steps forward recently. Two test missions are on the way to provide important information, and a third one is planned for next year. The Integrated LCRD LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T), which flew to the International…
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Amazon reveals a secret about its Project Kuiper satellites: They’re using laser links
This graphic shows how Project Kuiper would use optical signaling between satellites. (Amazon Illustration) Ending years of speculation, Amazon has acknowledged that its Project Kuiper satellites will use laser-based links to communicate with each other, and says the system has already been successfully tested in orbit. Such a system — known as optical inter-satellite links,…
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Japanese data relay satellite launches on H-2A rocket
EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated at 5 a.m. EST (1000 GMT) after confirmation of a successful launch. A Japanese H-2A rocket lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center on Sunday. Credit: MHI A Japanese satellite designed to relay data and imagery from civilian and military Earth observation spacecraft launched Sunday aboard an H-2A rocket. The dual-use communications satellite…
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First Mode wins $1.8M contract to build hardware for Psyche mission to asteroid
An artist’s conception shows NASA’s Psyche spacecraft at the asteroid Psyche. The Deep Space Optical Communication demonstrator is pointing out from the bottom panel of the spacecraft in this configuration. (NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU Illustration) Seattle-based First Mode has been awarded a $1.8 million subcontract from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to build flight hardware…