Optical Communication
Optical communication is a method of transmitting information from one point to another by using light as a carrier. In space and astronautical engineering, optical communication is used to transmit data between spacecraft and ground stations or between spacecraft themselves. Optical communication systems use lasers to transmit data through free space, which allows for high data rates and low power consumption. Optical communication is particularly useful for deep space missions, where radio communication becomes less effective due to the distance and signal attenuation. Optical communication systems also have the advantage of being more secure than radio communication, as the narrow beam of light can be more easily directed and controlled. However, optical communication systems require precise pointing and tracking of the laser beam, which can be challenging in the dynamic environment of space.
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