NASA News Update: Data Transmission Speed Between ISS And Ground Terminals Will Double In 2017

Everyday loads of scientific data are transmitted to and from the International Space Station (ISS). The process of data communication is mediated by the Space Network (SN), through numerous Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) and ground stations to relay the data. In an effort to enhance the data transmission speed, the SN upgraded its remote ground terminal in Guam by installing a 300Mbps data downlink capability. This is the first of many changes that the SN is going to make in 2017, which is going to double the speed of data transmission between Earth and space.

The ISS remains in constant communication with the Flight Control center on Earth by transmitting valuable information, which includes time-sensitive data critical for various space missions, data related to the functioning of various systems of ISS, results of onboard scientific experiments and space explorations, information on the health of the crew members, social media posts, interviews and live streaming video of Earth as seen from ISS on YouTube. The current speed of data transmission is 300 megabits per second (Mbps). Improving the speed of data transmission will help in the operation of more advanced instruments, which require ultra speed data flow for functioning, reported EurekAlert.

Mark Severance, Network Director, Human Spaceflight, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said, "Fundamentally, this upgrade of both the onboard and ground data communications systems enables an increase in the scientific output from the space station." In addition, he said, "Increasing the data downlink rates from the station will allow the manifestation of new experiments and technology demonstrations that have higher data-rate requirements than could previously be accommodated."

After Guam, the Space Network is now planning to upgrade the hardware in the facility in White Sands, New Mexico. Ted Sobchak, SN project manager, disclosed that, "The project is committed to evolving the Space Network to enable new mission concepts by simplifying customer interfaces, increasing customer data rates, and enabling new concepts of operations."