NASA's Hybrid Antenna Achieves Breakthrough in Deep Space Communication
The successful test of a hybrid antenna capable of receiving both radio and laser signals from deep space paves the way for faster data transmission and supports future exploration demands.
- NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) has successfully tested a hybrid antenna capable of receiving both radio frequency and laser signals from deep space, marking a significant advancement in space communication.
- The hybrid antenna, located at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, received signals from the Psyche spacecraft, demonstrating the feasibility of synchronous radio and optical frequency deep space communications.
- The antenna downlinked data at a rate of 15.63 megabits per second from 20 million miles away, about 40 times faster than traditional radio frequency communications at that distance.
- The technology demonstration, Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), streamed the first ultra-high-definition video from deep space, showcasing the potential for transmitting complex scientific information and high-definition imagery.
- Retrofitting existing radio antennas with optical terminals and constructing purpose-built hybrid antennas could address the current lack of a dedicated optical ground infrastructure, enhancing data transmission capabilities for future space exploration.
IFLScience 
Interesting Engineering 
Digital Trends 
NASA 