Laser Interconnect and Networking Communication System explained
Laser Interconnect and Networking Communications System (LINCS) is a test of laser communication in space using two cubesats launched in June 2021.
Background
It was built by General Atomics for the US DOD's Space Development Agency.[1]
The two cubesats, LINCS A/B, were launched on SpaceX's Transporter-2 rideshare in June 2021, but communications were not established by January 2022.[1] One theory is that helium exposure during the Falcon 9 launch affected MEMS devices in the cubesats.[2]
See also
Notes and References
- https://spacenews.com/space-development-agency-general-atomics-eye-options-after-setback-in-laser-comms-experiment/ Space Development Agency, General Atomics eye options after setback in laser comms experiment 6 Feb 2022
- https://spacenews.com/falcon-accident-investigation-points-to-breach-in-rockets-helium-system/ Falcon accident investigation points to breach in rocket’s helium system 31 Mar 2024
