Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) Overview

The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) flew as a hosted payload aboard a Department of Defense spacecraft as part of the Space Test Program (STP-3) mission, which launched on December 7, 2021. Years after launch, LCRD continues NASA's exploration of laser communications to support future missions to the Moon and beyond. Laser communications have enabled better data rates, making possible new capabilities such as 4K ultra-high-definition streaming from beyond Earth orbit. It has allowed communications systems to become smaller, lighter, and more efficient.