Milestone! NASA, partners achieve 200Gbps throughput on space-to-ground laser link

TBIRD's data transmission milestone

NASA's TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) system recently achieved 200Gbps throughput on a space-to-ground optical or laser communication link between a satellite in orbit and Earth, surpassing the previous 100Gbps milestone the team achieved in June 2022. This is the highest data rate ever achieved by optical communications technology, according to the agency.

TBIRD, approximately the size of a tissue box, was carried into orbit by NASA's Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 (PTD-3) satellite. The speedy connection allows TBIRD to send down multiple terabytes of test data to Earth during a single six-minute pass over a ground station.

"Achieving 100 Gbps in June was groundbreaking, and now we'e doubled that data rate – this capability will change the way we communicate in space. Laser communications is the missing link that will enable the science discoveries of the future," said Beth Keer, the mission manager for TBIRD at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Fastest space-to-ground laser link yet!Our TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) system achieved the highest data rate of an optical communications technology ever! It can send multiple terabytes of data to Earth during a single six-minute pass. Learn more: https://t.co/ycfgXJ6i8e pic.twitter.com/bG6HPa8eBC

— NASA Ames (@NASAAmes) May 11, 2023

For the unversed, laser communication is a technology used for transmitting data through space using laser beams instead of traditional radio waves. It offers several advantages over the most commonly used radio frequency (RF) communication systems, such as higher data rates, lower power requirements, increased security, and more flexible ground systems.

With laser communications, it is possible to pack more data into each transmission from space, empowering more discoveries. As NASA focuses on establishing a long-term presence on the Moon and planning for future missions to Mars, laser communication technology will play an increasingly important role to ensure smooth mission operation and effective science.