Numerous studies have shown that NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) is woefully inadequate to support the current pace of space exploration. Proposals are on the table for extensive infrastructure build-out using RF communications, which is ultimately bandwidth constrained. Optical communication offers unregulated, near-infinite bandwidth that can easily support the needs of humans at the Moon and beyond. Although not part of the proposed lunar network architecture, optical communication systems should be considered; these systems are operational now, quickly proliferating near Earth space (e.g. StarLink), and offer very high bandwidths.
Lunar Optical Communications
Lunar Interoperability Forum ; 2024 ; Washington, DC, US
Conference paper
No indication
English
NTIS | 2024
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