The Airborne Laser Communication Testbed (ALCT) is a research platform in high-data-rate communication systems designed to complement existing aeronautical radio frequency (RF) communications.This innovative technology offers several distinct advantages: exceptional data transmission rates, resistance to jamming, enhanced physical security, and low probability of interception/detection (LPI/LPD).
Notably, it operates independently of RF spectrum allocations, requiring clear line of sight (LOS) to establish a link within its operational range.The systems reliability has been extensively validated through three comprehensive flight campaigns, accumulating over 50 hours of operational link-time across aircraft platforms including the DHC-6 Twin Otter and PC-12 with ground station operations centered at NASA Glenn Research Centers hangar facility.Photo of NASAs PC-12 with the Airborne Laser Communication Testbed installed NASARecent developments of the ALCT have provided practical approaches to critical aerospace communication challenges.
Through rigorous flight testing conducted between 2019 and early 2025, research teams have successfully demonstrated the systems capability to maintain high-speed data transmission across significant distances in both air-to-ground and preliminary air-to-air configurations.This advanced laser communication technology has proven its viability as a powerful complement to conventional RF systems, showing promise for both manned and unmanned aircraft operations.The ALCTs ability to sustain gigabit-class data rates at distances up to 60km slant path, while maintaining operational links at even greater ranges, marks a significant advancement in aeronautical communication capabilities.
A particularly noteworthy achievement has been the successful implementation of air-to-air tracking, validated through retroreflector testing.These innovations hold special significance for urban air mobility applications and address the growing demand for reliable, high-bandwidth communication solutions in increasingly congested airspace environments..Top Photo: Airborne photo of NASAs PC-12 and the Airborne Laser Communication Testbed with a simulated laser beam NASASource: NASA