Testing Cubesat Communications Technology from the ISS

Accurate and timely communications in space is vital for upcoming space missions and NASA is testing innovative ways to handle reliable communications using inexpensive CubeSat technology.

After launching to the International Space Station on Nov. 12, 2017, NASA's Optical Communications and Sensor Demonstration, or OCSD, CubeSat mission was deployed from the Cygnus cargo resupply ship and into low-Earth orbit.

The pair of very small sized satellites tested the first high-speed data downlink from a CubeSat to a ground station using lasers.

The satellites also flew relatively close together to test proximity operations.

This demonstration mission is a step toward future missions where multiple small spacecraft operate cooperatively during science and exploration missions, approach each other or another object for in-space observation or servicing, and connect together to form larger systems or networks in space.

Video credit: NASA/Ames Research Center

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