Communication system
Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)
NASA's technology demonstration of laser communication from deep space, flying as a rider on the Psyche spacecraft. It transmitted data over tens of millions of kilometres at rates far beyond radio, proving optical links for future missions.
- Type
- Communication system
- Domain
- Scientific connections
- Connections
- 2
- Type: Communication system
- Domain: Scientific connections
Experience system V6
Communication system scientific profile
A graph-grounded scientific layout that adapts to available evidence, imagery, relations, and source coverage.
- 01
Observe
The page falls back to graph and source evidence when no cleared image is available.
- 02
Measure
Measurement panels use graph coverage, catalog identifiers, and source availability without inventing values.
- 03
Locate
Uses band Optical (Laser).
- 04
Connect
2 graph relations shape the knowledge viewport.
- Object type
- Communication system
- Graph relations
- 2
- Verified sources
- 2
- Image records
- 0
- Domain
- Scientific connections
- Status
- Graph entity
Scientific map
Atlas context
- Uses band
Optical (Laser)
- Associated with
Psyche
Original SVG diagram
Scientific schematic
- Object class
- Communication system
- Catalog numbers
- Not recorded
- Graph relations
- 2
- Sources
- 2
Visual knowledge graph
Relationships, not isolated facts
This viewport is generated from the Asteria knowledge graph. Science, culture, and interpretive links remain separated by domain so visual context never changes the evidentiary meaning of a relation.
- Uses bandOptical (Laser)
- Associated withPsyche
Continue the atlas
Curated next objects
Optical (Laser)
Laser communication encodes data on an infrared beam instead of radio waves. Its far shorter wavelength packs data into a tighter beam, promising data rates 10–100× higher than radio — the frontier of deep-space communication, demonstrated by DSOC on the Psyche spacecraft.
space missionPsyche
Psyche is travelling to the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche to study a possible exposed planetary core.
antennaLaser Communication Terminal
An optical (laser) communication terminal that transmits data on an infrared beam rather than radio. NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications terminal flew on the Psyche spacecraft and set deep-space data-rate records.
communication systemLaser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD)
A NASA optical-communication relay in geostationary orbit that demonstrates two-way laser links between ground stations and spacecraft, a stepping stone toward operational optical relays in the Near Space Network.
asteroid16 Psyche
A metal-rich main-belt asteroid and NASA mission target.
tracking networkDeep Space Network (DSN)
NASA's international array of giant radio antennas — at Goldstone (California), Madrid, and Canberra — that communicates with interplanetary spacecraft and distant satellites, spaced around the globe for continuous coverage.
Data
Scientific data & provenance
Data & provenance
- Stable ID
communication_system:dsoc- Type
- Communication system
- Domain
- Scientific connections
- Relationships
- 2
- Graph version
- 1.0.0
Dataset membership
Open data
In the graph export: graph.json · graph.jsonld
Planned API: GET /api/v0/entities/communication_system:dsoc
Scientific quality
Substantial2 of 4 applicable dimensions complete, 1 partial
- Description
- Complete
- Source coverage
- Complete
- Relationship coverage
- Partial
- Review coverage
- None
- Citation coverage
- Not applicable
- Image coverage
- Not applicable
- Timeline coverage
- Not applicable
Scientific entity. Dimensions that cannot apply to this object are excluded rather than counted as gaps. See the evidence framework and authority dashboard.
You might also explore
- AntennaLaser Communication TerminalLinked through Optical (Laser)
- Communication systemLaser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD)Linked through Optical (Laser)
- Asteroid16 PsycheLinked through Psyche
- Tracking networkDeep Space Network (DSN)Linked through Psyche
- Mission programDiscovery ProgramLinked through Psyche
- Launch vehicleFalcon HeavyLinked through Psyche
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.
- NASA JPLJet Propulsion Laboratory / Solar System Dynamics
Orbital data, ephemerides, and small-body parameters for planets, asteroids, and comets.