5G Network Management for Lunar and Deep Space Communications

To identify the essential network management functions for a successful lunar communication architecture by simulating how data traffic is automatically managed and protected over unreliable space connections leveraging terrestrial wireless technologies.

State of the art tools include modeling of lunar surface propagation, line of sight between assets, network traffic loading, and user data protocol simulation. They lack network performance monitoring and control functions. This project will assess network management protocol standards and extend the simulation framework to evaluate how they can be implemented in the end-to-end lunar network. Results will develop understanding of current 3GPP network management standards, enhance simulation tools for lunar scenarios and improve simulation fidelity of Moon Base end-to-end data flows.

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.

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.