The Digital Press

NASA's laser communication technology aboard the Psyche asteroid probe has successfully transmitted data over 218 million miles, demonstrating a faster, more efficient way to communicate with deep-space missions. This breakthrough could revolutionize data transmission for future missions to Mars and beyond.

Why it matters: Laser communication enables high-speed, high-volume data transfer from deep space, vastly improving mission communication capabilities.

Stunning stat: DSOC transmitted 13.6 terabits of data and streamed ultra-HD video at 267 Mbps from 19 million miles away.

The big picture: Combining laser and radio communication may create resilient, flexible systems for increasingly distant crewed and robotic missions.

Commenters say: Readers praise the potential for fast data from Mars but note challenges like weather interference and precision aiming remain critical.