NASA's Approach to Lunar Communication and Navigation: Artemis and Beyond
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Artemis↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “LUNAR COMMUNICATION”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Lunar far-side communication
Lunar far side communication, discussing libration point and lunar orbit relay system for high bit rate telemetry, TV and astronaut backpack communication
Coffman, J. W.↗
Assessment of the 802.11g Wireless Protocol for Lunar Surface Communications
Future lunar surface missions supporting the NASA Vision for Space Exploration will rely on wireless networks to transmit voice and data. The ad hoc network architecture is of particular interest since it does not require a complex infrastructure. In this report, we looked at data performance over an ad hoc network with varying distances between Apple AirPort wireless cards. We developed a testing program to transmit data packets at precise times and then monitored the receive time to characterize connection delay, packet loss, and data rate. Best results were received for wireless links of less than 75 ft, and marginally acceptable (25-percent) packet loss was received at 150 ft. It is likely that better results will be obtained on the lunar surface because of reduced radiofrequency interference; however, higher power transmitters or receivers will be needed for significant performance gains.
Chelmins, David T.↗
Overview and Status of the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration
The Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD), a project being undertaken by MIT Lincoln Laboratory, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will be NASA's first attempt to demonstrate optical communications between a lunar orbiting spacecraft and Earth-based ground receivers. The LLCD space terminal will be flown on the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft, presently scheduled to launch in 2013. LLCD will demonstrate downlink optical communications at rates up to 620 Mbps, uplink optical communications at rates up to 20 Mbps, and two-way time-of-flight measurements with the potential to perform ranging with sub-centimeter accuracy. We describe the objectives of the LLCD program, key technologies employed in the space and ground terminals, and show the status of development of the several systems.
deep space communications↗
Early Operations Flight Correlation of the Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration (LLCD) on the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE)
The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission launched on September 7, 2013 with a one month cruise before lunar insertion. The LADEE spacecraft is a power limited, octagonal, composite bus structure with solar panels on all eight sides with four vertical segments per side and 2 panels dedicated to instruments. One of these panels has the Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration (LLCD), which represents a furthering of the laser communications technology demonstration proved out by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). LLCD increases the bandwidth of communication to and from the moon with less mass and power than LROs technology demonstrator. The LLCD Modem and Controller boxes are mounted to an internal cruciform composite panel and have no dedicated radiator. The thermal design relies on power cycling of the boxes and radiation of waste heat to the inside of the panels, which then reject the heat when facing cold space. The LADEE mission includes a slow roll and numerous attitudes to accommodate the challenging thermal requirements for all the instruments on board. During the cruise phase, the internal Modem and Controller avionics for LLCD were warmer than predicted by more than modeling uncertainty would suggest. This caused concern that if the boxes were considerably warmer than expected while off, they would also be warmer when operating and could limit the operational time when in lunar orbit. The thermal group at Goddard Space Flight Center evaluated the models and design for these critical avionics for LLCD. Upon receipt of the spacecraft models and audit was performed and data was collected from the flight telemetry to perform a sanity check of the models and to correlate to flight where possible. This paper describes the efforts to correlate the model to flight data and to predict the thermal performance when in lunar orbit and presents some lessons learned.
LADEE↗
A Post-Processing Receiver for the Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration Project
The Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration Project undertaken by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will demonstrate high-rate laser communications from lunar orbit to the Earth. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a backup ground station supporting a data rate of 39 Mbps that is based on a non-real-time software post-processing receiver architecture. This approach entails processing sample-rate-limited data without feedback in the presence high uncertainty in downlink clock characteristics under low signal flux conditions. In this paper we present a receiver concept that addresses these challenges with descriptions of the photodetector assembly, sample acquisition and recording platform, and signal processing approach. End-to-end coded simulation and laboratory data analysis results are presented that validate the receiver conceptual design.
optical communications↗
Communications support for lunar missions using the TDRS II system
For several years NASA has been performing systems engineering analysis for lunar exploration scenarios with studies focused mainly on lunar communications, data systems and operations. Two basic earth-region communications architectures have been seriously considered, ground terminal architectures such as the deep space network (DSN) and geosynchronous relay satellites such as the tracking and data relay satellite II (TDRS II). An overview of TDRS II is given and lunar coverage, data rate capability, impacts to ground based elements, availability and operational scenarios are discussed. Development of the system is scheduled to begin soon and TDRS II can provide substantial support to early lunar missions without modification. Coverage and data rates are adequate and FLO missions can be supported. With enhancement nearly continuous coverage can be provided. TDRS II is a viable architecture and low cost option and should be considered as an alternative to the currently baselined DSN for precursor and possibly FLO missions.
Todd, Jacqueline↗
Lunar Surface Communications Architecture: Commercial/International Collaborations
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Communications↗
Lunar Surface Communications Architecture: Challenges of Operating in the Lunar Environment
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Lunar↗
LunaNet: A Flexible and Extensible Lunar Exploration Communications and Navigation Infrastructure and the Inclusion of SmallSat Platforms
As NASA establishes a sustained presence on the Moon and ventures further into the solar system, the need for a robust interplanetary communications and navigation architecture increases. LunaNet, an extensible and scalable lunar communications and navigation architecture, is being developed to answer this growing need. The LunaNet architecture will provide users with three services: networking services, positioning, navigation and timing services, and science utilization services. With LunaNet in place, users will experience an operational environment similar to that experienced by users on Earth. The agency’s plan for solar system exploration necessitates both government and commercial participation, and the LunaNet architecture supports this goal as well, encouraging global participation from commercial and international partners, other government agencies, academia, and federally funded research development centers. This paper provides a high-level description of the LunaNet architecture, discusses how SmallSat platforms and technologies may provide critical capabilities, and defines the role that SmallSats can play within the architecture.
Communications↗
Apollo experience report: Lunar module communications system
The development of the lunar module communications system is traced from the initial concept to the operational system used on manned lunar missions. The problems encountered during the development, the corrective actions taken, and recommendations for similar equipment in future programs are included. The system was designed to provide communications between the lunar module and the manned space flight network, between the lunar module and the command and service module, and between the lunar module and the extravehicular crewmen. The system provided the equipment necessary for voice, telemetry, and television communications; ranging information; and various communications links.
Dietz, R. H.↗
Lunar Module Communications
This slide presentation reviews the Apollo lunar module communications. It describes several changes in terminology from the Apollo era to more recent terms. It reviews: (1) Lunar Module Antennas and Functions (2). Earth Line of Sight Communications Links (3) No Earth Line of Sight Communications Links (4) Lunar Surface Communications Links (5) Signal-Processing Assembly (6) Instrumentation System (7) Some Communications Problems Encountered
Interbartolo, Michael A.↗
Demonstration of GaN HEMT MMIC High-Power Amplifier for Lunar Proximity Communications
In this paper, we demonstrate a Ka-band high power, high efficiency, GaN HEMT MMIC based power amplifier for communications from the lunar orbit to lunar surface. The measured results include Pout, Gain, PAE, RMS EVM for Offset-QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, and 32APSK waveforms, 3rd-order IMD products, noise figure, and phase noise.
Ka-band↗
Lunar Search & Rescue Applications of Lunar GNSS
Accurate lunar navigation and timing knowledge provides for the development of safety-critical services in the cislunar and lunar surface domain. Currently under development, the Goddard Space Flight Center’s (GSFC) Search and Rescue Mission Office is investigating and integrating search and rescue (SAR) capability into planned and future lunar communication and navigation interfaces. Lunar Search and Rescue (LunaSAR) development has a stated end-goal for assured, reliable, and timely indication of distress events for a wide variety of lunar surface users, including government-sponsored, commercial, and international users. LunaSAR performance requirements are modelled after the current terrestrial Cospas-Sarsat distress notification system, leveraging an internationally robust global navigation satellite system (GNSS) ecosystem as a core element of survivor locating capability. This presentation will discuss NASA’s work to develop user-focused distress messaging capabilities including infusion of example sensor data for triggering of automated distress alerts coupled with location-tagging. Additionally, the presentation will examine overall message structures, rotating fields for use in bi-directional distress messaging, and specific use cases based on NASA’s lunar exploration and lunar communication relay architectures. Modelling and simulation of LunaSAR use by individual lunar explorers will be discussed, based on notional industry and government design reference missions and mission considerations. Results from GSFC-funded Internal Research and Development (IRAD) efforts will be detailed, including successful distress message formulation simulating the ingestion of example legacy space suit telemetry fields. Hardware-in-the-loop testing using high-reliability software defined radio (SDR) modules serve as an example of IRAD successes and the framework for technical requirements. Architectural development and technical evolution from 2020 to 2021 included alignment of LunaSAR distress waveforms with ongoing NASA LunaNet interoperability development, as well as engagement with NASA Lunar Spectrum authorities for allocation of UHF-band distress frequencies on the lunar surface. S-Band and UHF-band transmission characteristics will be detailed, along with band-specific applications of each emission type. Additionally, examples of ingestion and formatting of GNSS signals (using historical terrestrial National Marine Electronics Association-formatted GNSS data) will be detailed, underscoring lunar user needs for a common lunar GNSS receiver output message framework. Maturity and ability to support evolving lunar exploration goals has been demonstrated and will be detailed, with maturity gaps such as position, navigation, and timing (PNT) and lunar reference frames identified within the context of distress message generation. Provision of LunaSAR services for lunar surface users represents a new era of ensured safety for lunar explorers and builds off of forty years of the Cospas-Sarsat program, underscoring the importance of lunar GNSS for safety-critical applications and growing interest in safe, reliable lunar surface operations. Enabled by new GNSS systems being developed by government and industry partners, NASA will continue to evolve and integrate lunar GNSS types into distress message generation, with a focus on compact and efficient message transmission over various lunar communication links. When fielded, LunaSAR will be the first dedicated search and rescue notification system employed on another celestial body. Robust lunar navigation and timing services form the core of LunaSAR capabilities, allowing for system syncing with time-dominant sensors, and high-accuracy location of those in distress while engaged in lunar surface activities.
Search and Rescue↗
Considerations for lunar colony communications systems
This paper addresses system aspects of communications for a lunar colony. Human factors are particularly noted. The practical aspects of communications infrastructure are emphasized rather than specific technologies. Communications needs for mission support and morale are discussed along with potential means of satisfying them. Problem areas are identified and some possible solutions are considered.
Dowling, Richard P.↗
Cognitive Tapered Slot Circular Array Antenna for Lunar Surface Communications
In this paper, we present the design of a cognitive tapered slot circular array (TSCA) antenna with multiple electronically switched sector beams for lunar surface communication. The circular array is capable of sensing the frequency, power, and direction of arrival of the RF signals. The design of the TSCA builds on our prior work on the development of a single TSA element with a balanced microstrip/coax feed. The measured return loss of the single TSA element shows wide bandwidth with good impedance match across the 5 to 35 GHz frequency range. Additionally, the single TSA has good radiation patterns. The single TSA serves as the building block for a four-element TSCA with multiple electronically switched sector beams for sensing and communications.
Cognitive communications↗
Free-Space Optical Communication for CubeSats in Low Lunar Orbit (LLO)
The NASA ARTEMIS Program will include LunaNet, a highly extensible, open architecture, lunar communications and navigation network. A constellation of CubeSats in Low Lunar Orbit (LLO), 100 km, could form an optical communications and navigation network as part of LunaNet, with terminals on the lunar surface, including mobile ones such as with astronauts and rovers. The proposed CubeSat nodes should provide data relay and navigational aid services. The proposed effort herein is to develop a fine pointing capability for laser beam pointing to augment body pointing by CubeSats. Body pointing was used by Aerospace Corporation for the CubeSats in LEO in NASA’s Optical Communications and Sensors Demonstration (OCSD) program [1]. Previously, this fine pointing capability was computer simulated for the OCSD program [2,3]. With fine pointing, the spot size on the Earth was reduced by a factor of eight with a reduction in laser output power by a factor of sixty-four, thereby mitigating the thermal load challenge on the CubeSats. The same reductions in spot size and laser output power can be achieved for CubeSats in LLO. A new method is described for optical data transmissions from satellites, which uses laser arrays for laser beam pointing. It combines a lens system and an array of vertical-cavity, surface-emitting lasers and photodetectors, an VCSEL/Photodetector Array, (both mature technologies), in a novel way. This system is applied to CubeSats in low lunar orbit, (LLO), which use body pointing. Also, It may be able to replace current architectures which use dynamical systems, (i.e., moving parts) to point the laser, and which may also use vibration isolation platforms. The computer simulations used the optics code, OpticStudio, from Zemax, LLC, which has the capabilities to model the laser source and diffraction effects from wave optics. These capabilities make it possible to model laser beam propagation over long space communication distances.
Goorjian, P. M.↗
Three Dimensional Computer Graphics Federates for the 2012 Smackdown Simulation
The Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) Smackdown is a two-year old annual event held at the 2012 Spring Simulation Interoperability Workshop (SIW). A primary objective of the Smackdown event is to provide college students with hands-on experience in developing distributed simulations using High Level Architecture (HLA). Participating for the second time, the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAHuntsville) deployed four federates, two federates simulated a communications server and a lunar communications satellite with a radio. The other two federates generated 3D computer graphics displays for the communication satellite constellation and for the surface based lunar resupply mission. Using the Light-Weight Java Graphics Library, the satellite display federate presented a lunar-texture mapped sphere of the moon and four Telemetry Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), which received object attributes from the lunar communications satellite federate to drive their motion. The surface mission display federate was an enhanced version of the federate developed by ForwardSim, Inc. for the 2011 Smackdown simulation. Enhancements included a dead-reckoning algorithm and a visual indication of which communication satellite was in line of sight of Hadley Rille. This paper concentrates on these two federates by describing the functions, algorithms, HLA object attributes received from other federates, development experiences and recommendations for future, participating Smackdown teams.
Fordyce, Crystal↗