美国航空航天局(NASA)激光通信中继演示(LCRD)项目是美国第一个长周期卫星激光中继演示项目, 是美国对其下一代卫星中继系统的一种探索。为了便于研究卫星激光中继新技术, 对LCRD项目的背景、现状以及后续发展情况进行了详细阐述, 并给出一系列具体技术指标。

National aeronautics and space administration(NASA) laser communications relay demonstration(LCRD) project is the USA first long-term satellite laser relay project, is also a pathfinder project for USA next generation of satellite relay system. In order to facilitate the study of new satellite laser relay technology, this paper gives a detailed description of the project, including the background, current status and future development. Besides, this paper gives out a list of technical specifics of the project.