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Lunar Operations Coordination (LOC) to enable Lunar Traffic Management and Surface Exploration

Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

This project aims to develop a framework for coordinating lunar operations; addressing a critical gap in current space governance. By establishing a governance structure for lunar missions; it will enhance mission safety; protect scientific assets; and support NASA's Moon and Cislunar to Mars strategy; ensuring non-interference and efficient exploration of the lunar surface.

Benefits

This project will benefit NASA by establishing a governance framework for lunar operations; ensuring mission safety; protecting scientific assets; and supporting coordinated exploration. It fills a critical gap in the Moon and Cislunar to Mars strategy; mitigating risks of interference and loss; and providing a structured approach to managing lunar resources and missions.

Details

Technology areaCommunications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
ProgramCenter Innovation Fund: ARC CIF (ARC CIF)
Lead organizationAmes Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Start date2024-10-01
End date2025-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

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.