#laser-communications

All articles tagged with "laser-communications"

NASA’s Artemis II test showed laser communications can change how crews and Earth stay connected

During Artemis II, NASA used an optical communications payload on Orion to send high-definition video, data, and voice over laser links, marking a first for a crewed mission at lunar distance.

Key Takeaways

NASA tested an optical communications system on Orion during Artemis II.
The payload exchanged 484 gigabytes of data over laser links during the mission.

DT Editorial Team·May 2, 2026·via phys.org

Artemis II Pushes Laser Communications Into Operational Deep-Space Use

NASA says Artemis II carried the first laser communications system used on a crewed deep-space mission, transferring more than 450 gigabytes of data from lunar vicinity during the roughly 10-day flight.

Key Takeaways

NASA says Artemis II was the first crewed deep-space mission to use laser communications.
The Orion optical terminal transferred more than 450 GB of data during the roughly 10-day mission.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 26, 2026·via nasa.gov

ESA-Backed Transporter-16 Missions Aim to Relieve the Coming Space Data Bottleneck

A cluster of ESA-supported satellites launched on Transporter-16 is testing laser links, inter-satellite networking, 5G and in-orbit AI to make orbital data transfer faster and more efficient.

Key Takeaways

ESA supported eight CubeSats and one payload on Transporter-16.
The missions test laser communications, 5G links, inter-satellite networking and in-orbit AI.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 12, 2026·via universetoday.com

Laser-Linked Satellite Networks Move From Concept to Reality

Optical inter-satellite links are transitioning from experimental tech to operational infrastructure, enabling faster and more secure data relay.

DT Editorial Team·Feb 11, 2026·7 min read·via spacenews.com