The Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) project will develop and deploy a flight terminal and a ground network, which includes uplink and downlink terminals, and demonstrate a Deep Space Optical communications capability. Implementation of DSOC is part of the NASA SMD Psyche mission slated to launch in 2023. The DSOC mission will demonstrate at least a 10× enhanced data return capacity relative to state of the art deep-space telecommunication systems with equivalent mass and power. The demonstration will retire the risk of implementing an operational capability for future NASA missions throughout the solar system and pave the way toward novel light science applications.
More »Enable streaming of high-definition video from deep-space. Support human exploration of deep-space. Enable use of high data rate science instruments. Facilitate novel light science applications. High precision ranging. Laser probing of atmospheres and plasmas.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
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Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | Lead Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Pasadena, California |
Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
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Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) | NASA Mission Directorate | |
Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) | NASA Program |