Lasers are a staple of the science fiction genre, generally used in various seemingly magical technologies or as weapons. Lasers played a significant role in the sci-fi classic Farscape (streaming now on Peacock) by way of handheld energy blasters and larger space-based light weaponry. Here in the real world, scientists just struck California with one of the most impressive space lasers in history, and it could revolutionize the way we communicate with craft and crew in space.
NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment hitched a ride aboard the Psyche spacecraft, headed toward the large metallic asteroid of the same name. The experiment is made up of instruments capable of sending and receiving infrared laser light across incredible distances.
The experiment is planned to last two years, sending and receiving laser signals from increasingly distant locations on its way to its final destination. By the end, it will (hopefully) be able to communicate cleanly from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
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