#FutureMissions - ALLTHINGSGEO

Space Exploration

High-Speed Internet on the Space Station: What It Means for Astronauts

By Jonathan Bala June 30, 2024

High-Speed Internet on the Space Station: What It Means for Astronauts

Key Takeaway

NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program has revolutionized space communication with the introduction of the first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system. This technology significantly enhances data transmission speeds, improves communication reliability, and reduces power consumption on the International Space Station (ISS).

Summary

SCaN Program: Developed by NASA, demonstrating advanced laser communication technology.
Laser Relay System: First two-way end-to-end laser relay system tested with a 1.2 Gbps speed.
ILLUMA-T: Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal.
DTN and HDTN: Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking and High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking to manage data disruptions and enhance speed.
Pet Imagery: Astronauts used the system to send images and videos of pets as part of the test.
Advantages of Laser Communication: Faster data transmission, smaller and lighter equipment, and reduced power consumption.
Future Implications: Enhancing communications for NASA’s Artemis program and future interplanetary missions.

A collage of the pet photos. These were sent over laser links from Earth to LCRD (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration). Then, they were sent to ILLUMA-T (Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) on the space station. Credit: NASA/Dave Ryan

High-Speed Internet on the Space Station: What It Means for Astronauts

NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by demonstrating the first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system. This innovative technology was tested by sending data to the International Space Station (ISS) at an astonishing speed of 1.2 gigabits per second. Using this high-speed internet, a set of images and videos of pets belonging to NASA astronauts and staffers were transmitted, showcasing the system’s capabilities. This advancement promises to revolutionize communications in space, enhancing the working and living environment for astronauts on the ISS and beyond.

The SCaN Program and Laser Relay System

The SCaN program, spearheaded by NASA, focuses on advancing space communication technologies. The recent test of the two-way end-to-end laser relay system is a significant leap forward. Traditionally, NASA has relied on radio frequency communications for data transfer. However, the breakthrough in laser communications, also known as optical communications, allows for the transfer of more complex messages and data packets much more quickly. Both radio waves and infrared light travel at the speed of light, but infrared light, used in laser communications, moves in a tighter wavelength, enabling rapid modulation of signals and hence faster data transfer.

Testing the System with Pet Imagery

A group of NASA astronauts and employees, including Randy Bresnik, Cristina Koch, and Kjell Lindgren, selected the pet imagery as the test dataset. These full-color images and videos are more complex due to their high pixel count, making them ideal for demonstrating the speed and agility of the Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) system. The data journey began at a mission operations center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, before being routed to optical ground stations in California and Hawaii. From there, the data was modulated onto infrared laser signals and sent to NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) satellite in geosynchronous orbit, which then relayed the data to the ILLUMA-T on the space station.

Addressing Space Communication Challenges with DTN and HDTN

Space data transmission often faces significant delays and potential data loss due to the vast distances involved. To overcome these challenges, NASA developed Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), which uses a “store-and-forward” process to manage data disruptions. An advanced version called High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN), developed by NASA’s Glenn Research Center, enhances this process, enabling data transfer up to four times faster than current DTN technology. HDTN aggregates data from various sources and prepares it for transmission back to Earth, as demonstrated during the pet photo and video experiment.

Advantages of Laser Communication for Astronauts

Laser communication technology offers several advantages over traditional radio frequency systems:

Speed: With data transmission speeds reaching 1.2 gigabits per second, laser communication allows for faster transfer of large data sets, including high-definition multimedia.
Efficiency: The ILLUMA-T laser communication terminal is smaller, lighter, and requires less power than existing systems, which frees up space and resources on the ISS.
Reliability: Enhanced DTN and HDTN technologies improve the reliability of communications, reducing the risk of data loss.
Bandwidth: The increased bandwidth capacity supports more complex and data-heavy communications, crucial for future space missions.

Kevin Coggins, the deputy associate administrator and SCaN program manager at NASA, highlighted the success of the demonstration, stating, “Not only have they demonstrated how these technologies can play an essential role in enabling NASA’s future science and exploration missions, but it also provided a fun opportunity for the teams to ‘picture’ their pets assisting with this innovative demonstration.”

A collage of the pet photos was sent over laser links from Earth to LCRD (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration) to ILLUMA-T (Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) on the space station. NASA/Molly Kearns

Historical Context and Future Implications

Historically, NASA’s reliance on radio frequency communications has been adequate but limiting in terms of data volume and speed. The transition to laser communications marks a significant improvement, not only for the current operations on the ISS but also for future missions. For instance, during a December 2023 test, a 15-second HD video of a cat named “Taters” chasing a laser pointer was streamed from the Psyche spacecraft almost 30 million kilometers away to the Hale Telescope at the Palomar Observatory in California. This test illustrated the potential of high-bandwidth laser communications in deep space, taking just 101 minutes to complete.

Enhancing Future Space Missions

The optimized DTN technology aims to enhance NASA’s communications services, including improved security, network routing of high-definition multimedia, and more. As NASA’s Artemis program advances toward establishing a sustainable lunar presence, SCaN continues to develop innovative communications technology to bring the reliability and performance of Earth’s internet to space. The ILLUMA-T, LCRD, and HDTN technologies, funded by NASA’s SCaN program at NASA Headquarters, are managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Glenn Research Center. The space station network is managed by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center.

Tables and Detailed Analysis

Table 1: Comparison of Radio Frequency and Laser Communications

Feature	Radio Frequency Communications	Laser Communications
Speed	Moderate	High (up to 1.2 Gbps)
Wavelength	Broad	Narrow (infrared light)
Data Capacity	Limited	High
Equipment Size	Larger	Smaller
Power Consumption	Higher	Lower
Reliability	Moderate	High (with DTN/HDTN)

Table 2: Key Technologies in NASA’s SCaN Program

Technology	Description	Advantages
ILLUMA-T	Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal	Smaller, lighter, reduced power consumption, faster data transmission
LCRD	Laser Communications Relay Demonstration	Demonstrates feasibility and efficiency of laser communications
DTN	Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking	Manages data disruptions, uses “store-and-forward” process
HDTN	High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking	Enhances DTN, aggregates data, enables up to four times faster data transfer

Conclusion

The successful demonstration of NASA’s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system marks a pivotal advancement in space communication technology. By leveraging high-speed laser communications, the SCaN program has showcased the potential to significantly enhance data transfer capabilities, improve reliability, and reduce power consumption on the ISS. This innovation not only facilitates better communication for current missions but also lays the groundwork for future space exploration, including NASA’s Artemis program and interplanetary missions.

The collaborative efforts of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center ensure that these advanced technologies will continue to evolve, bringing the reliability and performance of Earth’s internet to space. As Kevin Coggins aptly put it, the success of these demonstrations “provided a fun opportunity for the teams to ‘picture’ their pets assisting with this innovative demonstration,” underscoring the blend of technological advancement and human connection at the heart of space exploration.

References

Hashtags

#NASA, #SpaceStation, #LaserCommunication, #SCaN, #ILLUMA, #HDTN, #SpaceExploration, #HighSpeedInternet, #FutureMissions, #Technology

Keep Reading

Technology

The Science Behind Liquid Water on Mars: Missions to Mars.

By Jonathan Bala June 15, 2024

The Science Behind Liquid Water on Mars: Missions to Mars.

Key Takeaway

Understanding the presence and accessibility of liquid water on Mars is crucial for the success of future crewed missions. Despite some recent findings, the existence of liquid water on Mars remains a subject of debate.

Summary

NASA and China are planning crewed missions to Mars in the coming decades.
In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is essential for sustaining astronauts on Mars.
Historical missions have revealed surface features suggesting past water flow on Mars.
ESA’s Mars Express detected bright radar reflections beneath the southern polar ice cap.
The MARSIS instrument found bright patches that could indicate liquid water.
Recent research suggests these reflections might be due to ice composition and layer thickness.
Liquid water on Mars would need to be very briny or heated by magma.
Future missions might need to rely on ice deposits or chemical reactions for water.
Findings about Mars’s geological activity suggest it may still be geologically active.
The possibility of microbial life existing on Mars remains a tantalizing prospect.

The Science Behind Liquid Water on Mars: Missions to Mars

In the coming decades, NASA and China intend to send the first crewed missions to Mars. Given the distance involved and the time it takes to make a single transit (six to nine months), opportunities for resupply missions will be few and far between. As a result, astronauts and taikonauts will be forced to rely on local resources to meet their basic needs – a process known as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). For this reason, NASA and other space agencies have spent decades scouting for accessible sources of liquid water.

Finding this water is essential for future missions and scientific efforts to learn more about Mars’s past, when the planet was covered by oceans, rivers, and lakes that may have supported life. In 2018, using ground-penetrating radar, the ESA’s Mars Express orbiter detected bright radar reflections beneath the southern polar ice cap that were interpreted as a lake. However, a team of Cornell researchers recently conducted a series of simulations that suggest there may be another reason for these bright patches that do not include the presence of water.

Historical Evidence of Water on Mars

When the first robotic probes began making flybys of Mars in the 1960s, the images they acquired revealed surface features common on Earth. These included flow channels, river valleys, lakebeds, and sedimentary rock, all of which form in the presence of flowing water. For decades, orbiters, landers, and rovers have explored Mars’ surface, atmosphere, and climate to learn more about how and when much of this surface water was lost. In recent years, this has led to compelling evidence that what remains could be found beneath the polar ice caps today.

The most compelling evidence was obtained by the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) instrument aboard the Mars Express orbiter. This instrument was designed by NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to search for water on the Martian surface and down to depths of about 5 km (3 mi). The radar returns indicated that the bright patches could be caused by layered deposits composed of water, dry ice, and dust. These South Polar Layered Deposits (SPLD) are thought to have formed over millions of years as Mars’ axial tilt changed.

Subsequent research by scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) revealed dozens of other highly reflective sites beneath the surface. The implications of these findings were tremendous, not just for crewed missions but also for astrobiology efforts. In addition to being a potential source of water for future missions, it was also theorized that microbial life that once existed on the surface might be found there today. However, the findings were subject to debate as other viable explanations were offered.

The Debate on Liquid Water

While the same bright radar reflections have detected subglacial lakes on Earth (such as Lake Vostok under the East Antarctic Ice Sheet), Mars’s temperature and pressure conditions are very different. To remain in a liquid state, the water would need to be very briny, loaded with exotic minerals, or above an active magma chamber – none of which have been detected. As Lalich said in a recent interview with the Cornell Chronicle:

Research and Simulations

In a previous study, Lalich and his colleagues used simpler models to demonstrate that these bright radar signals could result from tiny variations in the thickness of the layers. These variations would be indiscernible to ground-penetrating radar and could lead to constructive interference between radar waves, producing reflections that vary in intensity and variability – like those observed across the SPLD. For their latest study, the team simulated 10,000 layering scenarios with 1,000 variations in the ice thickness and dust content of the layered deposits.

Their simulations also excluded any of the unusual conditions or exotic materials that would be necessary for liquid water. These simulations produced bright subsurface signals consistent with observations made by the MARSIS instrument. According to Lalich, these findings strongly suggest that he and his colleagues were correct in suspecting radar interference. In essence, radar waves bouncing off of layers too close together for the instrument to resolve may have combined, amplifying their peaks and troughs and appearing much brighter.

Implications for Future Missions

The team is not prepared to rule out the possibility that future missions with more sophisticated instruments could find definitive evidence of water. However, Lalich suspects that the case for liquid water (and potential life) on Mars may have ended decades ago.

If so, future missions may be forced to melt polar ice deposits and permafrost to get drinking water or possibly chemical reactions involving hydrazine (a la Mark Watney). In addition, astrobiology efforts may once again be placed on the back burner as they were when the Viking Landers failed to find conclusive evidence of biosignatures in 1976. But as we’ve learned, Mars is full of surprises. While the results of the Viking biological experiments were disappointing, these same missions provided some of the most compelling evidence that water once flowed on Mars’ surface.

Mars’ Geological Activity

Moreover, scientists once suspected that the Red Planet was geologically dead, but data obtained by NASA’s InSight Lander showed that it is actually “slightly alive.” This included evidence that hot magma still flows deep in the planet’s interior and that a massive magma plume still exists beneath the Elysium Planitia region, which may have caused a small eruption just 53,000 years ago (the most recent in Martian history). Perhaps the same will hold true for briny patches of liquid water around the poles and the equatorial region.

Potential for Microbial Life

With any luck, some of these patches may even house countless microorganisms that could be related to life on Earth. The possibility of finding life on Mars, even if it is microbial, would have profound implications for our understanding of biology and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. How cool would that be?

Tables and Data

Table 1: Key Mars Missions and Discoveries

Mission	Year Launched	Key Discovery
Mariner 4	1964	First images of Mars, surface features
Viking 1 & 2	1975	Search for biosignatures, evidence of water flow
Mars Global Surveyor	1996	Detailed maps of Mars surface, climate
Mars Odyssey	2001	Detection of water ice beneath the surface
Mars Express	2003	Evidence of water beneath polar ice caps
Curiosity Rover	2011	Study of Mars’ habitability, organic molecules
InSight Lander	2018	Mars’ seismic activity, interior structure

Table 2: Comparison of Earth and Mars Conditions

Condition	Earth	Mars
Atmospheric Pressure	101.3 kPa (at sea level)	~0.6 kPa
Surface Temperature	-88°C to 58°C	-125°C to 20°C
Presence of Water	Abundant in liquid form	Mostly in ice, traces of vapor
Geologic Activity	Active	Slightly active, recent magma

Conclusion

The quest to find liquid water on Mars is ongoing and fraught with challenges. While recent findings cast doubt on the presence of liquid water, the pursuit has led to a deeper understanding of the planet’s geology and climate. Future missions will continue to explore this enigmatic planet, with the hope of uncovering the secrets that lie beneath its surface. Whether or not we find liquid water, the journey itself will expand our knowledge and pave the way for human exploration.

References

Cornell Chronicle: Interview with Daniel Lalich
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory research
Science Advances journal article: “Small Variations in Ice Composition and Layer Thickness Explain Bright Reflections Below Martian Polar Cap without Liquid Water”

Hashtags

#Mars, #NASA, #MarsMissions, #LiquidWater, #SpaceExploration, #Astrobiology #Geology, #InSituResourceUtilization, #FutureMissions, #ScienceAdvances

Keep Reading

Satellite Imagery

About The Moon Today: Breakthroughs in Creating Detailed Lunar Maps

By Jonathan Bala June 3, 2024

About The Moon Today: Breakthroughs in Creating Detailed Lunar Maps

Key Takeaways

Researchers at Brown University have enhanced the technique of creating lunar maps using satellite images. The advanced method, known as ‘shape-from-shading’, analyzes shadows to estimate terrain features and shapes. Detailed lunar maps are critical for safe and efficient future lunar missions. The Artemis project, aiming for the Moon’s south pole, will benefit greatly from these high-resolution maps. New algorithms automate image alignment and quality control, significantly improving map accuracy.

Summary

Enhanced Technique: Brown University researchers improved the ‘shape-from-shading’ method for creating lunar maps.
Importance of Maps: High-resolution maps are crucial for lunar missions to identify safe landing sites and areas of interest.
Automation and Accuracy: Advanced algorithms automate the process, align images accurately, and filter poor-quality images.
Validation: The new technique produces more precise maps compared to traditional methods.
Future Missions: Projects like Artemis will benefit from these detailed maps, especially in poorly mapped areas like the Moon’s south pole.

Breakthroughs in Creating Detailed Lunar Maps

There was a time when maps of the Moon were created from telescopic observations and drawings. Indeed, Sir Patrick Moore created maps of the Moon that were used during the historic Apollo landings. Today, researchers have developed a sophisticated technique to create accurate maps from existing satellite images. This approach, known as ‘shape-from-shading’, involves analyzing shadows to estimate the features and shape of the terrain. Future lunar missions will be able to use these maps to identify hazards on the surface, making them far safer.

Advancements at Brown University

Researchers at Brown University in Rhode Island have refined the process used to map the surface of the Moon, making it more accurate than ever before. Their paper, published in the Planetary Science Journal and authored by Benjamin Boatwright and his team, details the enhancements to the mapping technique. This technique can generate detailed models of the Moon’s surface to highlight craters, ridges, and slopes from composites of 2D images.

Highly detailed maps are of crucial importance to lunar missions as they help planners identify the safest places to land. They can also pinpoint areas of particular interest that require further study, enabling the entire mission to be far more efficient. Missions such as the Artemis project will benefit significantly when it heads for the south pole of the Moon, an area that is not well mapped. High-resolution maps of this region will aid autonomous landing systems in avoiding hazards.

Challenges and Solutions

Creating these maps is a time-consuming job and is particularly challenging when lighting levels in the target area are poor. Previously, the interpretation of shadows was less effective, but the team at Brown University addressed these issues. In their paper, they explain how advanced computer algorithms can automate much of the process and improve the resolution of the generated models. Their new software provides lunar astronomers with the necessary tools and information to create larger, more detailed maps of the surface.

To allow lunar scientists to create a map from images, at least two images of the same area are required. Each image must be perfectly aligned with its counterpart so that features in one are in the exact same place in the other. Until now, the technology has not been able to take multiple images of an area and create a perfect map. Boatwright stated, “We implemented an image alignment algorithm where it picks out features in one image and tries to find those same features in the other and then line them up, so that you’re not having to sit there manually tracing interest points across multiple images, which takes a lot of hours and brainpower.”

Along with the image alignment algorithm, the researchers created quality control algorithms and filters to remove poor-quality images from the alignment process. By only inputting high-quality images into the process, the output is of far higher quality. This approach is similar to astronomical imaging, which processes multiple images through stacking and alignment techniques.

Lunar surface in close detail (Image credit NASA)

Table 1: Key Improvements in Lunar Mapping Techniques

Improvement	Description
Shape-from-shading	Analyzes shadows to estimate terrain features and shapes
Image alignment	Uses algorithms to perfectly align multiple images of the same area
Quality control	Filters out poor-quality images to enhance the final output
Automation	Advanced software automates much of the mapping process

Validation and Future Applications

To evaluate the accuracy of their work, the team compared the output from existing maps of the Moon to look for errors. To their delight, they found that maps created using their enhanced ‘shape-from-shading’ technique were more precise compared to those produced using traditional techniques.

Table 2: Comparison of Traditional vs. Enhanced Mapping Techniques

Feature	Traditional Technique	Enhanced ‘Shape-from-shading’ Technique
Image quality	Varied, manual selection	Automated selection of high-quality images
Image alignment	Manual tracing of features	Automated algorithm-based alignment
Shadow interpretation	Less effective	Highly effective
Map accuracy	Lower precision	Higher precision

Importance of Detailed Lunar Maps

The creation of highly detailed lunar maps is not just a technological achievement but a necessity for the future of lunar exploration. These maps play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of lunar missions. They help mission planners identify safe landing sites, avoiding hazards such as large boulders or deep craters. Additionally, they enable scientists to locate areas of scientific interest, such as regions with unusual geological formations or potential resources like water ice.

Impact on Future Lunar Missions

The Artemis project, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence, will greatly benefit from these detailed maps. The south pole of the Moon, a region of particular interest due to its potential water ice deposits, is not well mapped. High-resolution maps of this area will be invaluable for the mission’s autonomous landing systems, helping them to avoid hazards and select the safest landing sites.

Moreover, detailed maps will aid in the planning of future lunar bases. Understanding the terrain is crucial for selecting locations for habitats, scientific instruments, and other infrastructure. By providing accurate and detailed maps, researchers can ensure that these bases are built in optimal locations, maximizing safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

The breakthroughs in creating detailed lunar maps represent a significant advancement in lunar exploration. The enhanced ‘shape-from-shading’ technique developed by researchers at Brown University, along with advanced algorithms for image alignment and quality control, have resulted in maps with unprecedented detail and accuracy. These maps are crucial for the success of future lunar missions, ensuring safe landings and efficient exploration of the Moon’s surface.

References

Researchers at Brown University have developed a new technique. This technique offers more precise maps of the Moon’s surface.
Boatwright, B., et al. (2024). Enhanced Lunar Mapping Techniques. Science Times.
NASA. (2024). Artemis Mission Overview.
Brown University. (2024). Advancements in Lunar Mapping Research.
Moore, P. (1969). Lunar Mapping for Apollo Missions.

Hashtags

#LunarMapping, #ShapeFromShading, #MoonExploration, #ArtemisMission, #BrownUniversity, #NASA, #LunarResearch, #SpaceExploration, #FutureMissions, #LunarSafety

Keep Reading