Suggested Searches

Connect with Laser Communications!

NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) will showcase the advantages of communicating information using infrared lasers! This is known as laser communications.
Share your excitement about this new way of communicating with satellites by using these student and family resources.

Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD)

The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to showcase the unique capabilities of optical communications.

Learn More about Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD)
LCRD illustration of the laser communication with Earth in the background.

Print and Post

Follow along with LCRD using these products to spark interest.

Teach others about Laser Communications

Share your new-found knowledge about LCRD with others using the Overview of LCRD presentation.

View the LCRD Presentation about Teach others about Laser Communications
LCRD illustration of the laser communication with Earth in the background.

LCRD STEM Activities

Learn more about LCRD with these STEM activities for students, ranging from K-12. The activities cover topics, including laser links, packing a rocket, geometry, measurement, conversions, and irradiance. Download the activities and answer sheets below:

Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) Overview

LCRD will continue NASA’s exploration of laser communications to support future missions to the Moon and beyond.

Laser communications will enable better data rates, making possible new capabilities such as 4K ultra-high-definition streaming from beyond Earth orbit. It will also allow communications systems to become smaller, lighter, and more efficient. LCRD will demonstrate the technology over several years before laser communications becomes operational for future NASA missions.

Watch the Video
LCRD communicating down to Earth
LCRD communicating down to Earth over laser links.
NASA