Its not the first time NASA has experimented with laser communications in place of radio signals.
However, the LCRD project is designed to be an operational system after an initial two-year demonstration period.
This means that it will be several times smaller than the fibre-optic receivers in use in spacecraft today.
ILLUMA incorporates an emerging technology integrated photonics that is expected to transform any technology that employs light.
This technology will enable all types of NASA missions, not just optical communications on LCRD.
The technology will simplify optical system design.
As integrated photonics progresses to be more cost-effective than fibre optics, it will be used.
Everything is headed this way.
source: www.techworm.net
