The final component of NASA’s inaugural two-way laser communication relay system is poised to make its way to the International Space Station (ISS).

Known as the ILLUMA-T terminal, this device, roughly the size of a large chest, will be loaded into the cargo hold of a Cargo Dragon spacecraft as part of SpaceX’s CRS-29 resupply mission, tentatively scheduled for November 5 or later.

Once delivered to the ISS, the terminal will be affixed to the exterior of the space station, Space.com reported.

ILLUMA-T, short for the Integrated LCRD Low-Earth-Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal, represents the crucial final piece of hardware required for NASA’s inaugural demonstration of two-way laser communication technology in space.

It will serve as the means to transmit data via the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) satellite, which will relay the data to optical ground stations located in Hawaii and California.

Written by staff