Greece Achieves Deepest Space Laser Link
Landmark connection to NASA’s Psyche spacecraft pushes cosmic communication boundaries.
Greek scientists have achieved a monumental feat in space communication, establishing the most extensive broadband laser connection ever recorded. The National Observatory of Athens (NOA) successfully linked with a spacecraft positioned almost 300 million kilometres from Earth.
Pioneering Deep Space Test
This groundbreaking transmission occurred at the Kryoneri Observatory, a joint venture between NOA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA. The NOA’s laser signal was sent to NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, currently on its trajectory towards Mars. The light signal’s journey took approximately 16 minutes each way, confirmed by detection at the Helmos Observatory’s advanced telescope.
“This is a groundbreaking experiment and a national distinction. It is the result of four years of intensive effort and strategic collaboration with ESA.”
—Spyros Vasilakos, NOA President
The test is a crucial part of ESA’s and NASA’s initiative to modernize deep-space communication. This strategy involves transitioning from conventional radio systems to high-capacity optical technologies. For Greece, this success signifies a substantial advancement in its global space research contributions.
In comparison, typical consumer broadband speeds can reach gigabits per second, while advancements in laser communication for space aim for similar or even higher rates over vast interplanetary distances. NASA’s own Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) has shown potential for data rates up to 10 times faster than traditional radio frequency systems (NASA).
A Leap Forward for Greece
Spyros Vasilakos expressed the profound impact of the achievement, stating, “There are moments that move you deeply, because you witness a great leap forward.”
This development positions Greece at the forefront of European efforts in space-based laser communication.
This advanced technology promises significantly faster and more efficient data transfer capabilities across the solar system, heralding a new era for space exploration and scientific collaboration.
