Robust and High-Data-Rate Hybrid RF/Optical Communications for Lunar Missions

A space communication network suitable for planned lunar missions requires a new architectural paradigm that is dynamic, scalable, and capable of supporting diverse mission types at unprecedented communication speed with high reliability, continuous coverage, and minimum latency. Considering the low data rate of radio frequency (RF) systems and the outage vulnerability of optical channels, we propose a hybrid approach, incorporating both RF and optical communication elements within a smart networking framework. Our theoretical and experimental effort will integrate RF and optical communication systems for small satellites (SmallSats) and will design an encompassing network architecture that leverages this combination among Earth stations, a LEO SmallSat constellation, the Lunar Gateway, and Moon explorers. The project will pursue three key research thrusts: (i) Hybrid RF/optical communication system design and integration, (ii) Network design for lunar communication architecture with hybrid RF/optical links, (iii) System-level testing and evaluations. We will investigate the proposed architecture from several perspectives including operational frequency bands, data rates, integration, signal acquisition, quality of service, power requirements, appropriate protocols such as delay/disruption tolerant networking (DTN), access strategies, outage recovery, and communication-aware SmallSat constellation topologies. RF/optical communication modalities and low-cost SmallSats are both growing interests of NASA and bring critical forward progress to important NASA missions, partnering international space agencies, and private industry, such as Iridium, OneWeb, and Starlink (SpaceX). The proposed ideas align strongly with NASA priorities. Recent NASA missions, programs (Artemis), and reports, including “The Future Lunar Communications Architecture” study by the Interagency Operations Advisory Group (IOAG) on 9/25/19, all identify space communications as a key element of several NASA Strategic Objectives and NASA Technology Taxonomies, particularly the lunar and Mars missions. The project addresses the objectives of Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), and Science Mission Directorate (SMD), and complements ongoing research for lunar missions. The work closely aligns with NASA EPSCoR objectives. The project team collaborates with NASA members from Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC): Dr. Serhat Altunc, Networks Integration Manager, Telecommunication Networks & Technology Branch, Engineering and Technology Directorate, Dr. Obadiah Kegege, Engineering Project Manager, Near Earth Network Project, Flight Projects Directorate, and Mr. Peter M. Hughes, Center Chief Technologist, Office of the Center Director. The team has prior partnerships with NASA GSFC through EPSCoR Research Initiation and Travel grants. The coherent and complementary team provides the expertise needed to complete the project: Science-I Ekin (OSU), industry experience in wireless communication system design, expertise in RF and cognitive radio; Co-I O’Hara (OSU), expertise in high-frequency RF, optical electromagnetics and atmospheric propagation; Co-I LoPresti (TU), expertise in optical communication and ad-hoc RF/optical networks; Co-I Imran (OU), expertise in network design, smart networks, and machine learning; Co-Is Song and Choi (OSU), expertise in RF transceiver front-end design; and Co-I Jacob (OSU), expertise in control and mechanical design of unmanned and satellite systems. The team members are from Oklahoma’s three largest research universities and have an established relationship and track record of collaboration through NASA EPSCoR, NSF, FAA, and USSOCOM projects. The team is committed to initiating Oklahoma’s first CubeSat program, providing an unparalleled opportunity for STEM education, and developing cutting-edge research and technology related to the state’s aerospace sector.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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