| High bandwidth communication to deep space missions can indeed revolutionize astronomy. The concept of linking multiple telescopes and synthesizing a view in software is known as interferometry, which has been successfully implemented on Earth and with Earth-orbiting satellites using techniques like Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) [1]. Placing telescopes in orbit around the sun, spaced half an orbit apart, could provide unprecedented angular resolution. However, the challenge lies in establishing high-speed communication links to transmit the massive amounts of data generated by these telescopes. Recent advancements in free-space optical communication (FSO) technology, such as the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD) achieving a record-breaking 622 Mbps downlink speed [2], show promise in addressing this challenge. As technology continues to advance, it is not inconceivable that we will achieve the necessary bandwidth to support ambitious deep space interferometry missions, as I've learned from sources like MirrorThink.ai and various research papers [3, 4]. References: [1] Space VLBI: from first ideas to operational missions - 2019 [2] A superconducting nanowire photon number resolving four-quadrant detector-based Gigabit deep-space laser communication receiver prototype - 2022 [3] Ground-to-Drone Optical Pulse Position Modulation Demonstration as a Testbed for Lunar Communications - 2023-01-31 [4] Investigations of free space and deep space optical communication scenarios - 2022-04-01 |