The truck received an unusual signal from space. What will happen now?

From this moment Earth-space communication could become much simpler. Scientists have made a unique demonstration of new technologies they have developed.

OSIRISv1 communications satellitewhich is in low Earth orbit, sent a special laser signal to two TeraNet ground stations. One of them was on a custom-built truck that had special receivers built into it.

Scientists from the University of Western Australia conducted an experiment to establish communication between different types of space missions in low Earth orbit, including missions to the Moon.

Since the first satellite in the history of mankind was sent into space, communication has been used radio waves. However, the number of devices orbiting our planet is constantly growing, which results in the creation of a “bottleneck” for signals coming from space.

Experts believe that the future of information exchange is optical or laser communication. This method allows data to be “packed” into the oscillations of light waves in laser beams, so that the message is encoded in the laser signal. This allows for more data to be sent and received.

New technologies of this kind are being developed by NASA, among others, and private space industry. In 2022, the space laser communications market was worth about $1.13 billion. It is estimated that by 2031, its value will increase fourfold.

Experts believe that Successfully transmitting a laser signal from a satellite to a special truck could pave the way for a 1,000-fold increase in the speed of information transfer between space and Earth. Experts indicate that a special truck equipped with a receiver can drive to the designated location and intercept the signal within 15 minutes of arrival.

TeraNet has built three ground stations that have been placed throughout Western Australia. This was to eliminate the weather element (clouds and rain) that could interfere with the laser signal.

As Professor Sascha Schediwy from UWA said: – This demonstration is a critical the first step in creating a next-generation space communications network in Western Australia. Next steps include connecting this network to other optical earth stations currently under development in Australia and around the world.