NASA and MIT are teaming together to build the first interplanetary laser communication link between Mars and Earth. "In 2010, the Mars Laser Communication Demonstration (MLCD) will test the first deep-space laser communication link, which promises to transmit data at a rate nearly ten times higher than any existing interplanetary radio communication link."
In fact, the speed will largely vary depending on the respective positions of March and Earth. The minimum expected speed will be one megabit per second during daytime and when Mars is at its farthest point from Earth. But when Mars is at its closest approach and reception is at night, the rate could be thirty times higher.
Before 2010, a number of challenges need to be solved, including the fact that the optical frequencies of the laser can be partially be blocked by clouds. You'll find more details, references and illustrations in this overview.
In fact, the speed will largely vary depending on the respective positions of March and Earth. The minimum expected speed will be one megabit per second during daytime and when Mars is at its farthest point from Earth. But when Mars is at its closest approach and reception is at night, the rate could be thirty times higher.
Before 2010, a number of challenges need to be solved, including the fact that the optical frequencies of the laser can be partially be blocked by clouds. You'll find more details, references and illustrations in this overview.
| :: posted by Roland Piquepaille, 1:37 PM | Comments (0)
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