Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

Benefits to NASA Funded Missions: The GCD Program funded DSOC Project will accelerate a near term Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) that will retire the risk of infusing optical communications into future NASA missions. A successful TDM will serve as a precursor toward an operational capability. Eventually use of optical technology from deep-space will address the ever increasing demand on link capacity for NASA's future deep-space science and human exploration missions. Furthermore, the benefits can be realized without additional mass or power burden. Large volumes of uncompressed data can be returned to earth while utilizing shorter contacts, thereby allowing missions to spend more time gathering science and exploration data. Immediate enabling features will be the ability to stream multiple channels of high-definition imagery from deep-space. Longer term benefits will include high precision ranging for navigation and science, as well as, novel light science applications. Benefits to Other Government Agencies: Some of the technology spin-off from the current development has the potential of benefitting other government agencies. Benefits to the Commercial Space Industry: The commercial sector is showing an interest in deep-space ventures, both for human exploration, as well as, mining. This technology can support the communications needed to support such ventures. Benefits to the Nation: Advanced communication capability to cover farther reaches with higher capacity is needed for leading space exploration and science. Adding optical communications is a compelling augmentation of the NASA and US space communication tool box.