← Back to NASA Technology Projects
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 area | Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: ARC CIF (ARC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA |
| Start date | 2024-10-01 |
| End date | 2025-09-30 |
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.