NASA launched the Psyche Mission to examine the asteroid with a metal surface. However, NASA had to postpone the launch date because some necessary tests were delayed. First of all, the spacecraft must pass the tests of the communication system of the Deep Space Network project. Here are the details…
Psyche spacecraft will perform Deep Space Optical communication tests!
In fact, this test is of great importance for space studies. The Deep Space Optical Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment will shed light not only on this mission but also on NASA’s other missions. The DSOC experiment is testing a laser-based communications system that could help transmit more information from deep space missions, such as Mars missions.
NASA will first establish a system called the Deep Space Network to communicate with distant spacecraft. It will install large communication dishes in California, Spain and Australia to detect signals sent from space. These three regions are spaced around the world. In this way, no matter which way the Earth is facing, it will always be possible for at least one of them to detect a signal.
No asteroid passengers left: NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will set off!
For the first time, NASA will send the Psyche spacecraft to examine an asteroid with a large amount of metal on its surface. If weather conditions allow
Signals travel at the speed of light, which is a hard limit. Therefore, it is not possible to make communication faster. There may be a communication delay of up to 20 minutes between Earth and Mars. Unfortunately, scientists cannot predict this situation. However, technology will soon find a solution to this. But for now, scientists are evaluating their available options. Another way to improve the existing network is to increase bandwidth.
shiftdelete.netThe number of missions flying into space is increasing day by day. In addition, the vehicles they carry are becoming increasingly complex. Therefore, the total volume of data that needs to be transmitted also increases. To adapt to this, communication also needs to be strengthened. Signals need to be at higher frequencies that can transmit more data in the same time.
After these developments, NASA will improve existing communication dishes on Earth designed for radio communication. With the Deep Space Network project, it is strengthening this system that will also manage laser communication. Compared to radio communication, this system can carry up to ten times more data than a laser system.
In addition to improving equipment on the ground, laser-based communication systems also need to be tested in space. NASA has been trying to improve systems in Earth orbit for several years. Now, it will test this new system on a real mission, namely the Psyche mission.