The message received by Earth from the depths of the cosmos contained neither a message from an extraterrestrial species nor a stunning discovery, but represented in itself a small revolution. For the first time in the history of space exploration, data traveled through space via a coded infrared laser beam over a distance of 16 million kilometersfar exceeding the performance of traditional communication systems.
In parallel with its scientific objectives, the Psyche mission made it possible to test a new communication technology essential for future exploration missions of the solar system: DSOC (Deep Space Optical Communications), it is thanks to it that this message reached Earth.
Aim for the infinitely small in the infinitely large
The DSOC device is much more than a simple space transceiver. Its operation is based on a complex choreography between the probe and two Californian land installations. On the one hand, the Table Mountain facilities of JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) emit a laser beacon serving as a reference point. On the other hand, the Hale telescope at the Palomar Observatory, located 130 km to the south, captures signals transmitted from space.
The major difficulty of this experiment lies in the extreme precision required to complete it. In order to establish such communication, engineers must master an exercise of dizzying complexity: maintaining a laser beam on a constantly moving target.
The photons take 50 seconds to travel the 16 million kilometers separating the probe from Earth. During this short period of time, the two points of contact continue their course in space, requiring constant adjustments to the aiming systems. Succeeding in balancing a coin on the tip of a needle during an earthquake would seem, on closer inspection, almost easier than what the NASA teams have just accomplished.
A bridge between Earth and space
The innovation of DSOC lies in its ability to compact information into infrared waves shorter than traditional radio frequencies. This characteristic makes it possible to achieve transmission speeds up to a hundred times faster to current systems. Such performance opens up new perspectives for future space missions: transmission of high-definition images, sending of voluminous scientific data, and even broadcast of videos from the confines of the solar system.
If the main objective of Psyche remains the study of the asteroid (16) Psyche – which it will reach in 2028 for a 26-month mission – the success of the DSOC experiment is already a tremendous step forward. NASA has simply established a new standard in space telecommunications, which will come consolidate the technological arsenal interplanetary exploration missions today and in the coming decades.
- NASA transmitted data via an infrared laser beam over 16 million kilometers using DSOC technology.
- The DSOC successfully maintained a laser beam on a moving target in space, despite the distance.
- This innovation will enable data transmission up to a hundred times faster through space.
