ANU Aids NASA's Artemis II With Laser Tech Expertise

Australian university partners with NASA to test optical communications for upcoming lunar mission

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:52am

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The Australian National University (ANU) is collaborating with NASA to support the Artemis II mission, the space agency's first crewed flight beyond Earth's orbit in over 50 years. ANU's Quantum Optical Ground Station (QOGS) at Mount Stromlo Observatory will track, transmit and receive communications from the Orion spacecraft using advanced laser technology, helping to test the operational utility of optical communications for future lunar missions.

Why it matters

Laser communications can transmit data up to 100 times faster than traditional radio signals, allowing for more efficient data transfer during deep space missions. ANU's partnership with NASA on the Artemis II flight demonstrates Australia's growing capabilities in optical communications and space technology, solidifying the country's role as a trusted global space partner.

The details

During the Artemis II mission, the QOGS at Mount Stromlo will work with NASA teams at the Glenn Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Johnson Space Center to test the laser communications system aboard the Orion spacecraft. This will be the first crewed mission to attempt using lasers to transmit data from such a distance. The QOGS will serve as an important test location for the new transceiver design, examining how lasers can send and receive data to and from deep space.

  • The 10-day Artemis II test flight is scheduled for no earlier than Thursday, April 2, 2026 Canberra time.
  • NASA has previously used laser communications during technology demonstrations, but Artemis II will be the first crewed mission to attempt this.

The players

Australian National University (ANU)

A leading research university in Australia that is partnering with NASA on the Artemis II mission.

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which is preparing to send astronauts back to the moon as part of the Artemis program.

Professor Francis Bennet

The Australian project lead for Artemis II at ANU.

Dr. Kate Ferguson

The Associate Director of Strategic Projects at the ANU Institute for Space.

Enrico Palermo

The Head of the Australian Space Agency.

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What they’re saying

“ANU has been working with NASA teams to create a capability in the Southern Hemisphere to support the agency's future optical communication needs.”

— Professor Francis Bennet, Australian project lead for Artemis II at ANU

“Building this capability in the Southern Hemisphere is critical to establishing reliable communication to the moon and the Solar System.”

— Dr. Kate Ferguson, Associate Director of Strategic Projects at the ANU Institute for Space

“Australian researchers are recognised globally as world-class in optical communications. The involvement of ANU in the historic Artemis II mission is another signal of Australia's growing capability and offerings for space exploration and space services here on Earth.”

— Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than Thursday, April 2, 2026 Canberra time, marking the first crewed flight beyond Earth's orbit in over 50 years.

The takeaway

ANU's partnership with NASA on the Artemis II mission showcases Australia's emerging expertise in optical communications and space technology, positioning the country as a valuable global partner for future deep space exploration and commercial space initiatives.