Earth-based ground stations provide spacecraft with communications and navigation services. Coverage of service is limited to when there is line-of-sight between the ground and space segment. Often, therefore, there are intervals in connectivity. If lunar exploration is to expand, missions must have uninterrupted support. Lunet Platform’s purpose is to help provide this to users within the lunar environment.
Lunet Platform is planned as a commercial, scalable constellation of lunar orbiting spacecraft. 1st generation Microsats will be networked to provide in situ relay links. This can expand ground station service coverage for spacecraft on the Moon’s far-side. Ultimately a full constellation can help ensure continuous coverage for all spacecraft. The Platform also enables in situ relay directly between two or more spacecraft within the lunar environment without the need for ground station support.