The Children’s Space Reporters realized about laser communication on the GIST Advanced Photonics Research Institute. Provided by Studio51
(*31*)[Editorial Note] The science journal
NASA’s asteroid probe ’Psyche’ efficiently transmitted a cat video from outer house about 31 million km away from Earth in 2023. It was made attainable by a communication know-how that makes use of lasers as an alternative of standard radio waves.
On June 20, the Children’s Space Reporters visited the Advanced Photonics Research Institute at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) to be taught the ideas of laser communication, a next-generation house communication know-how, and to tour associated analysis amenities.
Founded in 2001, the GIST Advanced Photonics Research Institute conducts a variety of light-related analysis, together with high-power lasers and laser communication applied sciences. The High-Power Laser Research Department research bodily phenomena occurring in excessive environments utilizing ultra-high-power lasers, whereas the Photonics Application System Research Department develops laser communication applied sciences that alternate information with synthetic satellites and different platforms. The Photonics Fundamental Research Department conducts varied primary analysis initiatives that harness mild.
High-power laser plasma analysis gear on the Advanced Photonics Research Institute. Provided by GIST
Laser communication is a know-how that transmits data utilizing mild. In basic, it will possibly ship way more information at larger speeds than radio waves, making it a focal next-generation house communication know-how. Because mild spreads much less and extra directionally, it will possibly ship indicators effectively even over lengthy distances.
Kim Junheon, principal researcher on the GIST Advanced Photonics Research Institute, cited “precise pointing” and “overcoming scattering” as the important thing challenges for laser communication. Since a laser is a beam of sunshine that travels straight inside a slender vary, even a slight misalignment of the route between the transmitter and receiver can forestall indicators from being delivered precisely. Communicating with fast-moving satellites requires extraordinarily exact pointing know-how.
Another problem is scattering brought on by the environment. When mild collides with particles resembling air, clouds, and fog, a few of it scatters, which may degrade communication high quality. In distinction, outer house is nearly free from atmospheric scattering results, which is advantageous for long-distance laser communication.
Kim defined, “We are developing technologies that can accurately track satellites and enable ultra-high-speed laser communication between satellites and the ground.”
Child reporter Kim Yunho adjusts a laser beam. Provided by Studio51
After the lecture, the younger reporters tried laser-based Morse code communication. Morse code is a communication technique that represents letters and numbers by combining brief dots and lengthy dashes.
The reporters used laser mirrors and apertures to exactly intention the laser in order that it handed via each gap, then lower the beam on and off to ship Morse code. Other reporters decoded the indicators to guess the phrases, experiencing the ideas of laser communication firsthand.
Child reporter Kim Nayun stated, “At first I thought aiming the laser at the holes would be easy, but the direction changed even when I moved it a little,” and added, “I realized that real space communication requires much more precise technology.”
Child reporters tour the High-Power Laser Research Building. Provided by Studio51
Next, the reporters visited the High-Power Laser Research Building to tour the analysis amenities. Principal researcher Sung Jaehee of the GIST Advanced Photonics Research Institute defined, “Because we handle lasers with extremely high output here, the entire facility is designed with rigorous safety measures.”
The Children’s Space Reporters pose for a commemorative picture in entrance of the laser communication floor station. Provided by Studio51
At the laser communication floor station, their last cease, the reporters examined the antenna system that tracks satellites and maintains communication. The antennas repeatedly observe shifting satellites and regulate their route to maintain the hyperlink. Researchers additionally examine climate situations resembling fog and clouds and monitor plane operations in actual time to make sure lasers are operated safely.
Even after the reporting actions ended, the kids’s curiosity continued. Child reporter Shin Soyul stated, “After the lecture, we shone a laser through dry ice, and it was fascinating to see the light spreading with my own eyes.”
Child reporter Lim Yejun stated, “I’ve seen lasers fired from an observatory to point out stars,” and added, “Back then it looked like the laser was reaching all the way to the stars, which was amazing; through this lecture I learned in detail how lasers are actually used in space communication.”
Meanwhile, the third Child Astronaut Selection Contest is sponsored by Kolon, the Korea Aerospace Administration, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korea Aerospace Industries, Telepix, the National Daegu Science Museum, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center, SpaceMap, Innospace, and the National Gwangju Science Museum. The last Child Astronauts who efficiently full their missions will earn the chance this November to go to and report on NASA and American house firms.
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