One of the first images of the Moon taken during the Artemis II mission and sent back to Earth by the laser communication module // Photo: nasa.gov.
Orion Artemis II Optical Communications (O2O) technology enables video to be transmitted at the highest speeds, thanks to laser data transmission. It also allows the crew and mission control center on Earth to exchange operational data, commands and images.
Communication support for the lunar mission
To receive the signal from Orion on Earth, stations located in areas with stable, clear weather are used. They are located in the U.S. states of New Mexico and California.
Long-range space radio DSN is also used by astronauts. It has worked well in past missions, including the Voyager and Mars rover missions. However, during the flyby of the back side of the Moon, which lasts just over 40 minutes, neither radio communications nor laser data transmission will be available to the Artemis II mission.
Proven effective
The O2O system builds on NASA’s experience in demonstrating the capabilities of laser communications. It has previously experimentally proven that laser communication from the Moon is not only possible, but can outperform other methods in terms of throughput. Operating as part of the LADEE spacecraft launched to the Moon in 2013, the laser communication module achieved speeds of 622 Mbps – six times faster than the best radio communication systems.
Earlier Logos Press reported about the launch of the first manned lunar mission in 54 years from Cape Canaveral in Florida (USA). The Orion spacecraft carried four astronauts to the moon. Landing on the surface of the Earth’s natural satellite is not included in this mission. It is a preparation for a landing in 2028. The mission also includes the first manned flight of NASA’s new rocket system, the Space Launch System (SLS).
