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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 8)
In response to a 2019 call for lunar communications and navigation architectures, TEMPO led a multi-disciplinary study team at Goddard Space Flight Center. This study resulted in LunaNet, NASA's plan to bring internet-like capabilities to the Moon.
LunaNet is NASA's proposed communications and navigation architecture for the Moon, aiming to provide internet-like capabilities, enabling missions to communicate and navigate efficiently, and supporting the Artemis program and future lunar exploration. Develop emerging technologies to support Network Layer Services needs within the LunaNet framework. Develop, test, and evaluate modular prototypes approach to achieve effective technology infusion path.
The LunaNet architecture leverages Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking and other innovative capabilities to create a flexible, extensible, and interoperable lunar communications and navigation architecture. LunaNet will enable the Artemis program while providing a platform for NASA to build out network services further into the solar system.
LunaNet will provide users with four services: networking; positioning, navigation and timing; detection and information; and science. With LunaNet in place, users will experience an operational environment similar to that experienced by internet users on Earth.
LunaNet is intended to be entirely interoperable and will be created by NASA, other government agencies, academic institutions, and the commercial aerospace industry. Read the LunaNet Interoperability Specification.
Improved lunar networking capabilities. The LunaNet architecture leverages Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking and other innovative capabilities to create a flexible, extensible, and interoperable lunar communications and navigation architecture. LunaNet will enable the Artemis program while providing a platform for NASA to build out network services further into the solar system. LunaNet will provide users with four services: networking; positioning, navigation and timing; detection and information; and science. With LunaNet in place, users will experience an operational environment similar to that experienced by internet users on Earth. LunaNet is intended to be entirely interoperable and will be created by NASA, other government agencies, academic institutions, and the commercial aerospace industry.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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