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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Develop a software tool for planning uncrewed lunar surface operations that simulates illumination conditions on the surface and displays environmental data, such as temperature and induced plume effects, into an integrated lunar operational environment simulation that does not require high-end computing hardware. This prototype tool is a capability that fills a gap, and it does not compete with existing KSC/agency simulation/visualization tools.
The KSC Uncrewed Surface Operations Team, in support of ESDMD Architecture Development and Technical Integration Offices and the Lunar Architecture Team (LAT), identified a need and capability gap for an easy to use, interactive simulation tool for planning uncrewed surface operations and support activities such as surface traversals, logistics transfers, maintenance, and repairs. LUNEXT addresses this need and significantly benefits the team supporting the Moon-to-Mars architecture formulation. The software tool simulates illumination conditions on the lunar surface and displays environmental information that aids in conducting trade studies and assessing operational scenarios, constraints, and use cases. It creates a user-friendly integrated lunar operational environment simulation for time-sensitive mission and surface planning. The tool runs on low-end computers, increasing accessibility and reducing iteration time between surface planning activities.
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