GPS on Earth works by leveraging several satellites that are orbiting around the planet. Now, European Space Agency (ESA) is planning to bring a similar system for the Moon, by knitting a network of satellites.
ESA’s Moonlight initiative aims to make the Moon more connected to Earth in order to make the communication better during manned missions to the lunar surface. The space agency wants private firms to develop “a lunar constellation of satellites and base stations providing seamless connectivity back to Earth.”
“With more countries than ever set to embark on their own lunar programs, Moonlight will support a permanent lunar space station that will orbit the moon,” ESA said.
Constellation of satellites
Having a constellation of satellites for the Moon will allow rovers to navigate around the Moon’s surface. It might also allow the rovers to be controlled from Earth. While it might not be possible for Mars rovers due to the 20 minutes communication delay, it will be useful for Moon as the delay is only a few seconds. This will allow the ground control team to drive a rover in real-time.
The system would also allow landing spacecraft to the far side. It is also believed that such a system will make it simpler for space agencies to carry out moon missions without spending huge sums.
“Having one system dedicated to lunar telecommunications and navigation could reduce design complexity, liberating missions to concentrate on their core activities. Because missions could rely on this dedicated telecommunications and navigation services, they would be lighter. This would make space for more scientific instruments or other cargo,” ESA said.
Mission to launch in 2023?
The new initiative is still at a nascent stage and will be studied thoroughly before finalizing the concept. If the studies come out feasible, the project could kick-off as early as 2023.
Besides, NASA is also mobilizing scientists to develop a giant radio telescope that will be placed on a lunar crater with an aim to collect radio waves coming from the Universe. There will be no interference signals coming from satellites and Earth.
