SpaceX Explores Extending Starlink Laser Links to the Moon
SpaceX is examining the use of existing Starlink laser technology for lunar communications. The effort would aim to provide higher data rates for NASA's Artemis missions than current deep-space systems allow.
webpronews.comSpaceX is studying whether Starlink's current laser communication system can be adapted for links between Earth and the Moon. Current Starlink satellites use optical terminals that reach 100 Gbps per link. More than 10,000 satellites are operating and together transmit at least 42 petabytes of data daily.
The Moon lies roughly 384,000 km from Earth, compared with a few hundred kilometers for low-Earth-orbit satellites. Maintaining a stable laser lock over that distance presents a significant technical task. No schedule has been released for any lunar demonstration.
If successful, the system could supply NASA's Artemis program with data capacity well above existing deep-space communication links. The company has not announced specific hardware changes or mission timelines for the concept.
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Artemis missions could gain higher-capacity data links if the concept succeeds.
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