LunaNet is a NASA, ESA and JAXA project and proposed data network aiming to provide a "Lunar Internet" for cis-lunar spacecraft and installations.[1][2]
It will be able to store-and-forward data to provide a Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network (DTN). The objective is to avoid needing to preschedule data communications back to Earth.[2]
LunaNet will also offer navigation services, eg. for orbit determination, and navigation on the lunar surface.[2]
Draft interoperability specifications have been issued.[2]
The LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS) is the document which publishes the LunaNet standard. LNIS version 4 was published online in September 12, 2022. LNIS version 5 draft for review was provided online for comment late 2023[3][4] and published in February 2025.
- NASA's instantiation of LunaNet is called Lunar Communication Relay and Navigation System (LCRNS).[5]
- Moonlight Initiative is an ESA project intending to adopt the specifications.[6][7]
See also
- Deep Space Network, NASA spacecraft communications
- Artemis program, NASA's return to the Moon
- Laser communication in space
- Coordinated Lunar Time
References
- ↑ "LunaNet Interoperability Specification". NASA. February 8, 2023. Retrieved 2026-07-09.
- 1 2 3 4 Empowering Artemis with communications and navigation interoperability Oct 2021
- ↑ LunaNet Interoperability Specification, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA
- ↑ "Moonlight services: seeking feedback for updated LunaNet framework". www.esa.int. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- 1 2 LunaNet: Interoperability for Lunar PNT, Slide 4, International Committee on GNSS, October 17, 2023 Madrin, Spain
- ↑ Project Moonlight Oct 2021
- ↑ Moonlight Webinar Mar 2022
External links
- LunaNet Interoperability Specification Documents
- NASA's Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation Systems (LCRNS)