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Post by bot on Nov 20, 2013 13:11:46 GMT -5
NASA Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration 11/20/2013 11:15 AM CST Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration, or LLCD, is the first NASA mission to demonstrate two-way, high-rate laser communications from lunar orbit aboard the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE). The main goal of LLCD is to prove the fundamental concepts of laser communications and transfer data at a rate of 622 megabits per second (Mbps), which is about five times the current state-of-the-art from lunar distances. Engineers expect future space missions to benefit greatly from the use of laser communications technology. This new ability will provide increased data transmission for real-time communication and 3-D high-definition video, while taking advantage of its lower on-orbit mass and power requirements. For example, using S-band communications, the LADEE spacecraft would take 639 hours to download an average-length HD movie. Using LLCD technology, download times will be reduced to less than eight minutes. go.usa.gov/WRt4 go.usa.gov/WEF9
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