NASA recently achieved a remarkable feat by using a cutting-edge laser communication system on a spacecraft, the Psyche probe, situated a whopping 19 million miles away from Earth. In a lighthearted twist, the space agency transmitted the first-ever high-definition cat video from deep space, demonstrating the potential for higher-data-rate communications crucial for ambitious missions like sending humans to Mars.
NASA sent a 15-second video featuring an orange tabby named Taters, showcasing the innovative laser communication technology. This breakthrough occurred during the probe’s journey to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, where it aims to explore a mysterious metal-rich object.
Technical Details
The laser transceiver on the Psyche probe beamed the encoded near-infrared signal to Earth, covering a distance 80 times greater than that between the Earth and the Moon. The Hale Telescope at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory received the signal, which was then transmitted to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California.
NASA’s goal is to demonstrate the capability of transmitting broadband video across vast distances. While typical space missions use radio waves, lasers can significantly increase the data rate—up to 10 to 100 times faster.
The ultra-HD cat video took 101 seconds to travel to Earth at a maximum bit rate of 267 megabits per second, surpassing the speed of many home broadband connections.
Why a Cat Video?
NASA decided to use a cat video for its historic significance and widespread popularity in internet culture. Cats have a unique connection to early television tests, with Felix the Cat serving as a test image in the 1920s. Additionally, cats have claimed a prominent spot in online videos and memes.
The video, featuring Tabby, a JPL employee’s pet, chasing a laser light on a couch, includes overlays of Psyche’s orbital path and technical information about the laser and its data bit rate. While the choice may seem whimsical, the cat video showcases a groundbreaking technology demonstration in deep space, addressing challenges like precise pointing and adjusting for the movement of the probe and Earth during transmission.
