{"id":60649,"date":"2020-07-17T18:04:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-17T22:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-462849"},"modified":"2023-07-26T15:58:54","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T19:58:54","slug":"6-technologies-nasa-is-advancing-to-send-humans-to-mars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/6-technologies-nasa-is-advancing-to-send-humans-to-mars\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Technologies NASA is Advancing to Send Humans to Mars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Mars is an obvious source of inspiration for science fiction stories. It is familiar and well-studied, yet different and far enough away to compel otherworldly adventures. NASA has its sights on the Red Planet for many of the same reasons. \u00a0<br> \u00a0<br> Robots, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/perseverance\">Perseverance<\/a> rover launching soon to Mars, teach us about what it\u2019s like on the surface. That intel helps inform future human missions to the Red Planet. We\u2019ll also need to outfit spacecraft and astronauts with technologies to get them there, explore the surface, and safely return them home. The roundtrip mission, including time in transit \u2013 from and back to Earth \u2013 and on the Martian surface, will take about two years.<br> \u00a0<br> Technology development has already begun to enable a crewed Mars mission as early as the 2030s. Many of the capabilities will be demonstrated at the Moon first, during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/specials\/artemis\/\">Artemis<\/a> missions, while other systems are more uniquely suited for deeper space. Here are six technologies NASA is working on to make Mars science fiction a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"6 NASA Technologies to Get Humans to Mars\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/N0f-QkEVU7U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NASA is advancing many technologies to send astronauts to Mars as early as the 2030s. Here are six things we are working on right now to make future human missions to the Red Planet possible.<br>Credits: NASA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Powerful propulsion systems to get us there (and home!) quicker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Astronauts bound for Mars will travel about 140 million miles into deep space. Advancements in propulsion capabilities are the key to reaching our destination as quickly and safely as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is too soon to say which propulsion system will take astronauts to Mars, but we know it needs to be nuclear-enabled to reduce travel time. NASA is advancing multiple options, including nuclear electric and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/spacetech\/game_changing_development\/Nuclear_Thermal_Propulsion_Deep_Space_Exploration\">nuclear thermal propulsion<\/a>. Both use nuclear fission but are very different from each other. A nuclear electric rocket is more efficient, but it doesn\u2019t generate a lot of thrust. Nuclear thermal propulsion, on the other hand, provides much more \u201coomph.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whichever system is selected, the fundamentals of nuclear propulsion will reduce the crew\u2019s time away from Earth. The agency and its partners are developing, testing, and maturing critical components of various propulsion technologies to reduce the risk of the first human mission to Mars.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/1propulsion.gif\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1040\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/1propulsion.gif?w=1040\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Vehicle in propelling trhough space.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Illustration of a spacecraft with a nuclear-enabled propulsion system.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Credits: NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Inflatable heat shield to land astronauts on other planets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The largest rover we\u2019ve landed on Mars is about the size of a car, and sending humans to Mars will require a much bigger spacecraft. New technologies will allow heavier spacecraft to enter the Martian atmosphere, approach the <a href=\"https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/mars2020\/timeline\/landing\/entry-descent-landing\/#Terrain-Relative-Navigation\" rel=\"noopener\">surface<\/a>, and land close to where astronauts want to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA is working on an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/tdm\/loftid\/index.html\">inflatable heat shield<\/a> that allows the large surface area to take up less space in a rocket than a rigid one. The technology could land spacecraft on any planet with an atmosphere. It would expand and inflate before it enters the Martian atmosphere to land cargo and astronauts safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The technology isn\u2019t ready for the Red Planet just yet. An upcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/goddard\/2019\/inflatable-decelerator-will-hitch-a-ride-on-the-jpss-2-satellite\">flight test<\/a> of a 6-meter diameter (about 20-feet) prototype will demonstrate how the aeroshell performs as it enters Earth\u2019s atmosphere. The test will prove it can survive the intense heat during entry at Mars.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"People working with heat shield inflatable structure.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg 6240w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/2-heat_shield.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Engineers prepare for the flexible heat shield installation on the inflatable structure. The view is from bottom side, and the heat shield is on top.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Credits: NASA\u2019s Langley Research Center<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. High-tech Martian spacesuits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spacesuits are essentially custom spacecraft for astronauts. NASA\u2019s latest spacesuit is so high-tech, its modular design is engineered to be evolved for use anywhere in space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first woman and the next man on the Moon will wear NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/a-next-generation-spacesuit-for-the-artemis-generation-of-astronauts\/\">next-generation spacesuits<\/a> called the exploration extravehicular mobility unit or xEMU. The spacesuits prioritize crew safety while also allowing Artemis Generation moonwalkers to make more natural, Earth-like movements and accomplish tasks that weren\u2019t possible during the Apollo missions.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Future upgrades to address the differences on Mars may include technology for life support functionality in the carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere and modified outer garments to keep astronauts warm during the Martian winter and prevent overheating in the summer season.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/3-spacesuit.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1040\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/3-spacesuit.gif?w=1040\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Astronaut testing out space suit.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA\u2019s next-generation spacesuit is designed to give astronauts more mobility on the Moon and Mars.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Credits: NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Martian home and lab on wheels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To reduce the number of items needed to land on the surface, NASA will combine the first Martian home and vehicle into a single rover complete with breathable air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA has conducted extensive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/multimedia\/imagegallery\/image_feature_1451.html\">rover testing<\/a> on Earth to inform development of a pressurized mobile home on the Moon. Artemis astronauts who live and work in the future pressurized Moon rover will be able to offer feedback to help refine the rover capabilities for astronauts on Mars. NASA\u2019s robotic rovers will help with the Martian design, too \u2013 everything from the best wheels for Mars to how a larger vehicle will navigate the tough terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Much like an RV, the pressurized rover will have everything inside that astronauts need to live and work for weeks. They can drive in comfortable clothing, tens of miles from the spacecraft that will launch them back to space for the return trip to Earth. When they encounter interesting locations, astronauts can put on their high-tech spacesuits to exit the rover and collect samples and conduct science experiments.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1042\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg?w=1042\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg 1042w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg?resize=300,151 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg?resize=768,386 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg?resize=1024,515 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg?resize=400,201 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg?resize=600,302 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/4-vehicle-illustration-mars.jpg?resize=900,453 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1042px) 100vw, 1042px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Left: Illustration of a pressurized rover on Mars. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Credits: NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Uninterrupted power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like we use electricity to charge our devices on Earth, astronauts will need a reliable power supply to explore Mars. The system will need to be lightweight and capable of running regardless of its location or the weather on the Red Planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mars has a day and night cycle like Earth and periodic dust storms that can last for months, making nuclear fission power a more reliable option than solar power. NASA already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/press-release\/demonstration-proves-nuclear-fission-system-can-provide-space-exploration-power\">tested the technology<\/a> on Earth and demonstrated it is safe, efficient, and plentiful enough to enable long-duration surface missions. NASA plans to demonstrate and use the fission power system on the Moon first, then Mars.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?w=1920\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Power source on Mars surface\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=400,225 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=600,338 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=900,506 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/5power.jpg?resize=1200,675 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Illustration of a nuclear fission power system concept on Mars.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Credits: NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Laser communications to send more information home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Human missions to Mars may use lasers to stay in touch with Earth. A laser communications system at Mars could send large amounts of real-time information and data, including high-definition images and video feeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sending a map of Mars to Earth might take nine years with current radio systems, but as little as nine weeks with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/lasercomms\">laser communications<\/a>. The technology would also allow us to communicate with astronauts, to see and hear more of their adventures on the Red Planet.<br>\n <br>\nNASA proved laser communications is possible with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/content\/goddard\/historic-demonstration-proves-laser-communication-possible\">demonstration<\/a> from the Moon in 2013. The agency\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/tdm\/lcrd\/overview.html\">next demo<\/a> will work through different operational scenarios, perfect the pointing system, and address technology challenges from low-Earth orbit \u2013 things like clouds and other communications disruptions. NASA is building small systems to test for human spaceflight, including on the International Space Station and the first crewed Artemis mission. Another laser communications payload will venture to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/tdm\/dsoc\/index.html\">deep space<\/a> to help inform what it takes to use the same technology millions and millions of miles away from Earth.<br>\n <\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/6-laser_comm.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"554\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/6-laser_comm.gif?w=985\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Illustration of a spacecraft using laser communications to relay data from Mars to Earth.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To learn more about NASA\u2019s Moon to Mars exploration approach, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/topics\/moon-to-mars\">https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/topics\/moon-to-mars<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mars is an obvious source of inspiration for science fiction stories. It is familiar and well-studied, yet different and far enough away to compel otherworldly adventures. NASA has its sights on the Red Planet for many of the same reasons. \u00a0 \u00a0 Robots, including the Perseverance rover launching soon to Mars, teach us about what [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":66,"featured_media":62710,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2879],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[3854,8624],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"6 Technologies NASA is Advancing to Send Humans to Mars","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/6-technologies-nasa-is-advancing-to-send-humans-to-mars\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/6-technologies-nasa-is-advancing-to-send-humans-to-mars\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/6-laser_comm.gif?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/6-laser_comm.gif"},"articleSection":"NASA Directorates","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"NASA"},{"@type":"Person","name":"Loura Hall"}],"creator":["NASA","Loura Hall"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["NASA Directorates","Space Technology Mission Directorate"],"dateCreated":"2020-07-17T22:04:00Z","datePublished":"2020-07-17T22:04:00Z","dateModified":"2023-07-26T19:58:54Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"6 Technologies NASA is Advancing to Send Humans to Mars\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/6-technologies-nasa-is-advancing-to-send-humans-to-mars\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/6-laser_comm.gif?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2020-07-17T22:04:00Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA Directorates\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Directorates,Space Technology Mission Directorate\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"NASA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Loura Hall\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":6,"time_ago":"4 years","featured_image":{"id":62710,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/6-laser_comm.gif","title":"6-laser_comm","alt":"NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center","caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60649"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/66"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60649"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60649\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":364756,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60649\/revisions\/364756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60649"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=60649"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=60649"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=60649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}