The ILLUMA-T payload will be hosted on an external module on the International Space Station and demonstrate the benefits of laser communications systems, which offer missions higher data rates and expedited data transfer. At 1.2 Gigabits per second, ILLUMA-T will send data to NASA's first-ever laser relay: the Laser Communication Relay Demonstration (LCRD), and complete NASA's first end-to-end laser communications system.
Mission Type
Technology Demonstration
Partners
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory
Launch
2023
Landing
N/A
ILLUMA-T’s Optical Module testing its turn and latch capabilities.