Australia Mounts First-Ever Space Laser Optical Communication In Southern Hemisphere

Australia has installed the first-ever laser optical communication system in the southern hemisphere, and it represents a new generation of space communications using the latest laser technology. Dubbed the Western Australian Optical Ground Station (WAOGS), the space center hopes that it will be part of a global network that will be receiving high-definition footage from astronauts on the moon when NASA launches its new mission in 2024.

Revolutionary technologies in telecommunications, satellites and spacecraft are stuck in the digital era of dial-up internet. There is no data connection or fiber-optic cables in space; this new laser optics technology will transmit their data with radio frequency (RF) technology and new satellite technology that has scarcely changed since Neil Armstrong's travel to space.

The laser communications can be used to predict and analyze weather observations, crop monitoring, mapping, and disaster response. It will also increase data transmission from space and improves data technology. The laser communication technology can fix several existing data bottlenecks. Besides, this technology is smaller and lighter than radio transmitters, which is crucial for spacecraft as it reduces the launch costs and time.