EECS Research Enables Critical Data Link for Historic Artemis II Mission

We are proud to announce that Erik Perrins, University Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and department chair, played a key role in the success of NASA’s recent Artemis II mission. His research on low-density parity check (LDPC) error-correcting codes was instrumental in establishing a reliable, high-bandwidth data transmission link from the Orion capsule to Earth, enabling the clear video and audio feeds from the farthest humans have ever traveled.

Sending error-free data across hundreds of thousands of miles is a monumental challenge. Signal degradation and noise can easily corrupt transmissions, but Perrins’ work on LDPC codes allows the system to detect and correct errors even when signals become extremely weak. This "game-changing" technology, as Perrins describes it, improves link margins, enhances telemetry reliability, and provides NASA with critical operational flexibility, directly contributing to crew safety and scientific return.

This achievement underscores not only Perrins’ world-class expertise but also the strength of EECS at KU. As Perrins notes, "KU’s strength in wireless communications and networking goes all the way back to the 1970s and is one of the reasons I joined KU back in 2005." From foundational research decades ago to today’s deep-space applications, our department continues to facilitate research that pushes the boundaries of what is technologically possible.

Please join us in congratulating Professor Erik Perrins for this outstanding recognition.

👉 Read the full KU News story here: KU researcher’s work contributes to data transmission link from Artemis II mission