Correct Answer : Option (B) - NASA

NASA is set to demonstrate a new end-to-end communication system in space that it claims to be more efficient than conventional systems currently in use at the International Space Station.

The American space agency is launching a groundbreaking technology demonstration known as the Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) to the Space Station in 2023.

This move marks a significant step forward in Nasa's efforts to enhance space communications capabilities.

The ISS, a spacecraft the size of a football field orbiting Earth, has been a unique platform for scientific research and investigation for over two decades.

The ILLUMA-T, along with the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) launched in December 2021, will complete Nasa’s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system.

Laser communication systems, which use invisible infrared light, offer higher data rates, allowing missions to send more images and videos back to Earth in a single transmission. Once installed on the ISS, ILLUMA-T will demonstrate the potential benefits of these higher data rates for missions in low Earth orbit.

"Laser communications offer missions more flexibility and an expedited way to get data back from space," said Badri Younes, former deputy associate administrator for Nasa's SCaN program. "We are integrating this technology on demonstrations near Earth, at the Moon, and in deep space."

ILLUMA-T, approximately the size of a standard refrigerator, will be secured to an external module on the ISS to conduct its demonstration with LCRD.

The LCRD is currently showcasing the benefits of a laser relay in geosynchronous orbit by beaming data between two ground stations and conducting experiments to refine Nasa’s laser capabilities.

"Once ILLUMA-T is on the space station, the terminal will send high-resolution data, including pictures and videos to LCRD at a rate of 1.2 gigabits-per-second," said Matt Magsamen, deputy project manager for ILLUMA-T. "Then, the data will be sent from LCRD to ground stations in Hawaii and California. This demonstration will show how laser communications can benefit missions in low Earth orbit."

ILLUMA-T is scheduled to launch on SpaceX’s 29th Commercial Resupply Services mission for Nasa. After its launch, ILLUMA-T will be installed on the station’s Japanese Experiment Module-Exposed Facility (JEM-EF), also known as “Kibo” — meaning “hope” in Japanese.

Following installation, the ILLUMA-T team will perform preliminary testing and in-orbit checkouts before transmitting its first beam of laser light through its optical telescope to LCRD.

This mission brings Nasa closer to operational infusion of laser communication technology, supplementing the radio frequency systems most space-based missions currently use. These tests are aimed to refine laser communication capabilities for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and deep space..

Source : India Today