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Completed TRL 4 (started at 1, targeting 4)
Lunar users, whether on the surface or in orbit, need access to PNT services to determine their position, execute maneuvers and maintain accurate time to meet mission objectives. Space assets typically receive PNT services through point-to-point links with Earth ground stations or Relay satellites using ranging, Doppler tracking and messaging schemes. However, to enable users to receive GPS-like global PNT services independent of dedicated communications links, the Lunar Augmented Navigation Service (LANS) is being designed into the LunaNet architecture where lunar relay nodes broadcast a CDMA signal (Augmented Forward Signal – AFS) that the lunar users can acquire and track to obtain their position and timing information. Through this project, we aim to develop a spaceflight S-Band CDMA receiver that leverages Goddard’s Navigator GNSS receiver technology to receive the AFS broadcast signal and enable real time GPS-like PNT services for lunar users.
A critical need for the Lunar exploration missions and the Moon-to-Mars initiatives is the development and demonstration of Communication and Navigation technologies that would enable users to derive position and timing information to achieve their mission objectives. The proposed AFS receiver is one such enabling technology that can enable PNT services for users in the lunar environment. Technologies that can demonstrate the Lunar Augmented Navigation Service (LANS) have been called out as critical Initial Operating Capabilities (IOC) needed in the 2025-2028 timeframe for Artemis missions. Building on Goddard's Navigator GPS receiver technology that has flight heritage on GPM and MMS missions, the receiver we are developing through this project can provide a cost-effective and timely solution that would not only demonstrate the LANS service but also enable lunar science missions to have the required capabilities to acquire real-time GPS-like PNT services. The receiver design will adhere to signal structure and performance specifications that meet LunaNet requirements and Interoperability Standards and therefore can be infused into a wide field of lunar mission architectures and applications, and have a path for commercialization.
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