Communication from space via laser

[Rick in PA]

I just thought this was interesting:
http://www.pddnet.com/news/2014/06/nasa-...mp;location=top

Although the picture is obviously photoshopped.

 

[earlyre]

Would this be the picture you are referring to?

The one with the Text under it reading:
"This artist's concept shows how the Optical Payload for Lasercomm Science (OPALS) laser beams data to Earth from the International Space Station."

 

[Tegger]

Originally Posted By: Rick in PA
Although the picture is obviously photoshopped.

That's not Photoshop, that's out of a 3D rendering program, such as Solidworks. PS may possibly have been used to make the laser beam, and to put the Earth/space background.

That said, the concept is interesting. I suppose you could transfer more data in less time using a laser instead of radio waves. But then I ain't no scientist.

 

[Rick in PA]

OK guys, I meant the laser beam.
1. It wouldn't be visible in space, not even in the atmosphere.
2. The beam is showing divergence. No self respecting laser shows divergence (at least not at the level portrayed in the picture).
3. I used the word photoshop as a concept, not Photoshop per say.
Sheese.

 

[jrustles]

The death ray!