Space laser communications technology has the potential to provide 10 to 100 times higher data rates than traditional radio frequency systems for the same mass and power.

[8] In May 2018, the General Accounting Office (GAO) says there have been delays, funding cuts, and cost overruns but it should be ready to launch by November 2019,[9] as a payload on a U.S. Air Force Space Test Program mission STP-3, on an Atlas V 551.

This capability, if successfully demonstrated, could be quickly infused into NASA missions, other Federal agencies, and U.S. satellite manufacturers and operators given the rising demand for bandwidth.

[15] Laser Communications Relay Demonstration will fly as a hosted payload with the U.S. Air Force Space Test Program (STPSat-6).

Upon a successful flight demonstration, NASA will provide the communications industry with access to the integrated system to test these new capabilities for commercial applications.

[17] LCRD will conduct a minimum two-year flight demonstration to advance optical communications technology toward infusion into Near Earth operational systems while growing the capabilities of industry sources.