NASA tests new laser communications system with Psyche mission to asteroid
Summary: NASA has successfully tested a new laser communications system with its Psyche mission, which is aimed at a metal-rich asteroid. This system uses infrared light to achieve data rates significantly higher than traditional radio communications.
During initial tests, Psyche transmitted data at 267 megabits per second when close to Mars. Even at a distance of 390 million kilometers, it maintained a download speed of 6.25 megabits per second, outperforming older methods.
The first phase of testing concluded in June, demonstrating that data rates decrease with distance. A second phase will begin in November, aiming to prove the system's long-term functionality before Psyche reaches its target asteroid in 2029.
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