Context:
NASA successfully experimented Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC).
About DSOC:
- NASA’s 1st demonstration of optical communications beyond the Earth-Moon system.
- A system that consists of a flight laser transceiver, a ground laser transmitter, and a ground laser receiver.
- Launched with Psyche spacecraft
- Configured to send high-bandwidth test data to Earth.
- Aim – To demonstrate data transmission rates 10 to 100 times greater than the state-of-the-art radio frequency systems used by spacecraft today.
- Significance –
- It uses near-infrared light packs which facilitates higher rate of data transmission.
- High-definition imagery transmission.
- It will enable human exploration of deep space like sending humans to Mars.
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
“The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Voyager-2
(b) New horizons
(c) Lisa Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA
Answer: (d)
