The upgraded ISS now has an Internet connection of 600 megabits per second



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In the digital age, connectivity and bandwidth are important, even if you are in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). And when you do research and experiments that could help pave the way for future missions to the Moon, Mars and other deep space destinations, this is especially important. That's why NASA recently upgraded the ISS connection, doubling the rate of sending and receiving data.

Whether it is LEO missions or the external solar system, fast and efficient communications are absolutely essential for critical mission data to reach control centers and scientists back on Earth. With his New connection, the ISS now has a connection of 600 megabits per second (Mbps), which doubles the amount of data that the station can transmit and receive at any time.

These upgrades will also help pave the way for upgrades similar to those offered by NASA, the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (or Lunar Gateway). As George Morrow, Acting Director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said:

"NASA's communications networks play a central role in every NASA mission, enabling mission data from human space flight, space and ground science research, and technology demonstrations to reach Earth for the benefit of the world." 'humanity. This increase in the data capacity of the International Space Station underscores our commitment to providing high quality operational services to NASA's exploration missions today and in the future. "

These upgrades will increase the amount of data from these experiments that can be returned to Earth. Credits: NASA

Since its commissioning in 2000, the ISS has provided astronauts and scientists with a unique environment to conduct research that would otherwise be impossible on Earth. This research provides information on the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body and other organisms and allows testing of technology in microgravity.

These technological experiments and demonstrations are based on high data transfer rates between the station and the researchers on Earth. With the recent upgrade, the station will be able to accommodate new experiments and technology demonstrations requiring more detailed and higher-resolution data than before. As Risha George, the upgrade project for Space Network, has explained:

"This project has demonstrated that advanced technologies radio frequency Waveforms can be used effectively to increase data rates and improve the performance of broadband communication services. The operational use of these advanced waveforms proves that they can also be used for future missions, such as on the Gateway, a small spacecraft that will orbit the moon and provide a springboard for the future. Human exploration on Mars. "

The data is communicated between the ISS and the Earth using a series of ground-based antennas called space network and a satellite tracking system and relay stations. Data (TDRS). These satellites are placed in a high orbit above various strategic locations in order to relay data to the ground, which is then sent to various NASA centers using fixed lines where they are interpreted. The entire process has a lead time of less than one second.

Many components of the space network have been upgraded to support increased data throughput, particularly at ground stations such as this one located in White Sands, New Mexico. Credits: NASA

AT to welcome the increase in data throughput, several components of this global communication system have also been upgraded. This includes a new ground-based digital architecture for the space network and upgrades of circuits and bandwidth in the Earth data lines between the various terrestrial components.

Upgrades were also made to the ISS-based modem, improved data processors were installed in various NASA centers, and new software and hardware in the ground stations. The technicians then performed extensive testing to make sure the upgrades were working properly. Meanwhile, the network was still providing real-time support to more than 40 missions

According to Penny Roberts, head of the Space Station Modernization Project, this has been made possible through cooperation with the administration. "Such partnerships are critical to our continued success as an agency," she said. "Our ongoing partnership will allow us to grow to 600 Mbps, and who knows where we'll go together?"

Further reading: NASA

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