[NASA] Astronauts will examine the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System (O2O) to send live, 4K ultra-high-definition video back to Earth from the Moon. The system will also support the communication of images, voice, control channels, and enhanced science data.
Aboard Orion, the space terminal includes an optical module, modem, and control system. The optical module features a four-inch telescope on a dual gimbal mount. The modem modulates digital information into laser beams for transmission back to Earth, and demodulates data from laser beams received from Earth. The control system communicates with the avionic systems aboard Orin to control and point the communications telescope.
On Earth, facilities including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the White Sands Complex will maintain high-bandwidth optical communication links with Orion. Information received from Orion will be sent to mission operations, scientists, and researchers.
of NASA Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) demonstrates the benefits of optical communication. Traditionally, missions have relied on radio communication, but improved technology will better serve space missions that generate and collect ever-increasing amounts of data. Optical communication solutions can provide 10 to 100 times the bandwidth of radio frequency systems. Other improvements may include increased link distances, higher efficiency, reduced interference, improved security, and reductions in size and weight. Our Brief History of Optical Communication outlines many of these advantages.
