NARRATOR

This week, the U.S. Space Force’s Space Test Program Satellite-6 is scheduled to launch from Florida’s space coast, ascending to orbit in the fairing of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The spacecraft contains — among other things — a revolutionary space communications demonstration, the culmination of decades of research and technology investments in optical communications: NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration, or LCRD.

Over five episodes, this podcast will explain LCRD’s mission and vision, overview the design of the LCRD space and ground systems, and highlight the future of the optical communications technologies this mission is proving in space. Beginning the day of launch and continuing weekly for the rest of the season, join us for a journey where lasers light the way.