SPATIAM DTN Network Function for 3GPP Lunar System

The drive from the US government administration and NASA to have an active and permanent presence on the lunar surface will dramatically multiply the need for communications and space networking. PWC forecasts that the Lunar Data, telemetry, entertainment, and environmental markets will grow to $12B by 2040. NASA SBIR Topic H9.08 Lunar 3GPP Technologies identifies that “NASA is seeking to leverage this (3GPP) extensive development” and “encourage development that is needed to translate terrestrial 3GPP technologies into a format suitable for the lunar environment”. Our innovation, the SPATIAM DTN Network Function for 3GPP Lunar System, is an operational Network Function in cislunar space that integrates with 3GPP Systems for delivering network and user services using DTN technologies. The SPATIAM DTN Network Function for 3GPP Lunar System introduces pivotal enhancements, including: - Design, and delivery of a LunaNet-compatible DTN Network Function to enable Interoperability between lunar surface and orbiting relay architectures, including delay tolerant networking. - Definition of a DTN network architecture that supports lunar user services, network interfaces, and functionality requirements to provide continuity to the 3GPP Lunar System. - Creation of an initial software prototype for the SPATIAM DTN Network Function. We aim to advance the SPATIAM DTN Network Function to TRL 4 during Phase I, through the following objectives: - Formal architectural definition of the SPATIAM DTN Network Function. - Definition of the SPATIAM DTN Network Function modes of operation. - Initial software prototype of a DTN Network Function. The objectives will be delivered through a Concept of operations for the SPATIAM DTN Network Function, a prototype demonstration, and a Phase II plan. The SPATIAM DTN Network Function for 3GPP Lunar System will bring us closer to commercialization of lunar communications and networking services.

NASA Artemis V mission, currently scheduled for 2029, plans to establish and use a 5G 3GPP surface network. The SPATIAM DTN Network Function for 3GPP Lunar System will enable the 3GPP Lunar Systems to connect to LunaNet DTN services to ensure reliable connectivity. The mobile network (and the network function) will become the main mobile communications network on the lunar surface, enabling NASA to use an enhanced and scalable mobile network that enables extravehicular activities, lunar exploration, and settlements for the upcoming lunar missions. Achieving DTN capabilities for this 3GPP network will guarantee the delivery of enhanced network reliability in Lunar communications required for science and crewed missions. Additionally, the incorporation of DTN capabilities will facilitate interoperability among various components of the lunar network, enhancing mission coordination and enabling efficient data exchange between spacecraft, rovers, and lunar payloads. Moreover, the architectural principles and learnings from this network will be utilized for the Mars network, achieving the objectives of the Moon to Mars program. The SPATIAM DTN Network Function will play a key role in enabling Commercial Lunar Service Providers (LNSP – LunaNet Service Providers) to establish and connect 3GPP Based systems in the lunar surface. This extension of lunar communication capabilities holds the potential to benefit a wide array of non-Nasa applications, including international lunar exploration missions, collaborative scientific research endeavors, and the establishment of a cohesive framework for lunar surface connectivity. Notably: - Companies establishing commercial lunar networks can include the SPATIAM DTN Network Function in their infrastructure, providing networking connectivity to 3GPP Lunar Systems. - Companies involved in the development of technologies for 3GPP Lunar Systems can include the SPATIAM DTN Network Function in their product offerings, enabling direct connectivity to LNSP DTN Nodes in cislunar space. - Other space agencies and partners engaged in the development of lunar networks such as the European Space Agency’s Moonlight initiative, can seamlessly integrate the SPATIAM DTN Network Function in their networks. - Companies building assets for the lunar surface that integrate local area networks using 3GPP systems can include SPATIAM DTN Network Function in networking capabilities. Our ultimate objective is to integrate our groundbreaking solution into the commercial market through our SPATIAM DTN Platform. Renowned among DTN experts for pioneering the path for commercial DTN Platform development, our platform supports the current standards, and achieves operationalization and interoperability levels not seen before. This innovative approach, inclusive of the SPATIAM DTN Network Function, positions us to enhance our existing product, providing robust support for 3GPP systems and further solidifying our leadership in the evolving landscape of lunar communication technology.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.