The advantages are obvious, hidden in the secret
On the other hand, laser communication technology is more adaptable to the deep space environment. In the deep space environment, the probe has to deal with ubiquitous cosmic rays, but also to overcome celestial debris, dust and other obstacles in the difficult journey through the asteroid belt, large planet rings, and so on, radio signals are more susceptible to interference.
The essence of laser is a photon beam radiated by excited atoms, in which the photons have highly consistent optical properties, good directivity and obvious energy advantages. With its inherent advantages, lasers can better adapt to the complex deep space environment and build more stable and reliable communication links.
However, if laser communication wants to harvest the desired effect, it must do a good job of accurate alignment. In the case of the Spirit satellite probe, the guidance, navigation and control system of its flight computer master played a key role, the so-called “pointing, acquisition and tracking system” to ensure that the laser communication terminal and the Earth team’s connection device always maintain accurate alignment, ensure stable communication, but also effectively reduce the communication error rate, improve the accuracy of data transmission.
In addition, this precise alignment can help the solar wings absorb as much sunlight as possible, providing abundant energy for laser communication equipment.
Of course, no amount of energy should be used efficiently. One of the advantages of laser communication is that it has a high energy utilization efficiency, which can save more energy than traditional radio communication, reduce the burden of deep space detectors under limited energy supply conditions, and then extend the flight range and working time of the detectors, and harvest more scientific results.
In addition, compared with traditional radio communication, laser communication theoretically has better real-time performance. This is very important for deep space exploration, helping scientists to obtain data in time and carry out analytical studies. However, as the communication distance increases, the delay phenomenon will gradually become obvious, and the real-time advantage of laser communication needs to be tested.

Looking to the future, more is possible
At present, deep space exploration and communication work faces many challenges, but with the continuous development of science and technology, the future is expected to use a variety of measures to solve the problem.

For example, in order to overcome the difficulties caused by the distant communication distance, the future deep space probe may be a combination of high-frequency communication and laser communication technology. High-frequency communication equipment can provide higher signal strength and improve communication stability, while laser communication has a higher transmission rate and lower error rate, and it should be expected that the strong and strong can join forces to contribute longer distance and more efficient communication results.

Figure 1. Early low Earth orbit laser communication test
Specific to the details of laser communication technology, in order to improve bandwidth utilization and reduce latency, deep space probes are expected to use more advanced intelligent coding and compression technology. Simply put, according to the changes in the communication environment, the laser communication equipment of the future deep space probe will automatically adjust the encoding mode and compression algorithm, and strive to achieve the best data transmission effect, improve the transmission rate and alleviate the delay degree.
In order to overcome the energy constraints in deep space exploration missions and solve the heat dissipation needs, the probe will inevitably apply low-power technology and green communication technology in the future, which will not only reduce the energy consumption of the communication system, but also achieve efficient heat management and heat dissipation. There is no doubt that with the practical application and popularization of these technologies, the laser communication system of deep space probes is expected to operate more stably, and the endurance will be significantly improved.
With the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence and automation technology, deep space probes are expected to complete tasks more autonomously and efficiently in the future. For example, through preset rules and algorithms, the detector can realize automatic data processing and intelligent transmission control, avoid information “blocking” and improve communication efficiency. At the same time, artificial intelligence and automation technology will also help researchers reduce operational errors and improve the accuracy and reliability of detection missions, and laser communication systems will also benefit.
After all, laser communication is not omnipotent, and future deep space exploration missions may gradually realize the integration of diversified communication means. Through the comprehensive use of various communication technologies, such as radio communication, laser communication, infrared communication, etc., the detector can play the best communication effect in multi-path, multi-frequency band, and improve the reliability and stability of communication. At the same time, the integration of diversified communication means helps to achieve multi-task collaborative work, improve the comprehensive performance of detectors, and then promote more types and numbers of detectors to perform more complex tasks in deep space.