LunaNet explained

LunaNet is a NASA and ESA project and proposed data network aiming to provide a "Lunar Internet" for cis-lunar spacecraft and installations.^[1]

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.^[1]

LunaNet will also offer navigation services, eg. for orbit determination, and navigation on the lunar surface.^[1]

Draft interoperability specifications have been issued.^[1]

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.^{[2] [3]}

• NASA's instantiation of LunaNet is called Lunar Communication Relay and Navigation System (LCRNS).^[4]
• Moonlight Initiative is an ESA project intending to adopt the specifications.^{[5] [6]}
• JAXA's instantiation of LunaNet is called Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS)

See also

• Deep Space Network, NASA spacecraft communications
• Artemis program, NASA's return to the Moon
• Laser communication in space
• Coordinated Lunar Time

External links

• LunaNet Interoperability Specification Documents
• NASA's Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation Systems (LCRNS)

Notes and References

1. https://www.moondaily.com/reports/Empowering_Artemis_with_communications_and_navigation_interoperability_999.html Empowering Artemis with communications and navigation interoperability Oct 2021
2. https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-communications-navigation-program/lunanet-interoperability-specification/ LunaNet Interoperability Specification, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA
3. Web site: Moonlight services: seeking feedback for updated LunaNet framework . 2024-04-03 . www.esa.int . en.
4. https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/icg/2023/ICG-17/icg17_LunarPNT_03.pdf LunaNet: Interoperability for Lunar PNT
5. https://www.esa.int/Applications/Telecommunications_Integrated_Applications/Lunar_satellites Project Moonlight Oct 2021
6. https://bsgn.esa.int/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Moonlight-Webinar-March-2022-Full-Presentation.pdf Moonlight Webinar Mar 2022