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Mass. Researchers Power Artemis II with New Laser Communications System

scienceApr 2, 2026271,060

A Massachusetts research team supplied a laser communications link used by Artemis II to transmit data around the Moon. Artemis II launched as the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years, and the laser system rode aboard Orion during the mission's flyby. Laser communications provides much higher bandwidth and lower latency than radio, enabling high-resolution science data, continuous telemetry, and potential live video. The successful demonstration validates a vital high-speed link for future Artemis missions and for building lunar and deep-space communications networks.

Key Highlights

Massachusetts researchers supplied Artemis II with a laser communications link for the Moon.
Laser link delivers higher bandwidth and faster telemetry than traditional radio systems.
System demonstration proves high-speed deep space communications for future Artemis missions.
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