Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Optical communications systems are smaller in size, weight, and require less power compared with radio instruments.

Statement 2 is correct: Laser communications and radio waves use different wavelengths of light. Laser uses infrared light and has a shorter wavelength than radio waves. This will help the transmission of more data in a short time.

• NASA has launched its new Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD).
• It is the agency’s first-ever laser communications system.
• The LCRD will help the agency test optical communication in space.

About LCRD

• LCRD is a technology demonstration that will pave the way for future optical communications missions.
• The LCRD payload is hosted onboard the US Department of Defense’s Space Test Program Satellite 6 (STPSat-6).
• It will be in a geosynchronous orbit, over 35,000km above Earth.

Advantages of optical communications systems

• Optical communications systems are smaller in size, weight, and require less power compared with radio instruments.
• A smaller size means more room for science instruments.
• Less weight means a less expensive launch.
• Less power means less drain on the spacecraft’s batteries.
• With optical communications supplementing radio, missions will have unparalleled communications capabilities.

Hence option 3rd is correct.