NASA Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD)

Photo Credit: NASA

January 9, 2014 - NASA recently completed its 30-day Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD) on board the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft. The communication demonstration program, utilizing VPT products, successfully transmit data using a pulsed laser beam 400,000 km between Earth and the moon at an unprecedented rate of 622 megabits per second (Mbps). The program also demonstrated the viability of laser as a communications method for future NASA missions, including the ability to transmit high definition video. The link to the video featuring NASA Administrator Charles Bolden which was sent via laser to the moon and back to Earth can be viewed here. Additionally, more information on this program can be found via NASA’s website.