Lunar Multi-Global Navigation Satellite System

By using existing signals like GPS far beyond Earth’s orbit, lunar mGNSS transforms existing GNSS into a robust, operational navigation solution for the Moon. The technology developed by the lunar mGNSS receiver project can provide immediate, high-quality autonomous navigation for the full spectrum of lunar users, serving as a critical capability until new lunar-based infrastructure is fully operational. As a bridge technology, the lunar mGNSS receiver enables near-term mission readiness while complementing future lunar positioning systems, including NASA’s planned Artemis relay satellite constellation.

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Bringing Earth Navigation to the Moon

Artemis Communications and Navigation Poster with Earth in background and Rover in foreground

What is GNSS?

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS were originally designed for Earth-based and low Earth orbit users. Previously, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s receiver developers extended GNSS navigation to high-altitude geosynchronous and highly elliptic orbit users, setting a world record for high-altitude GPS navigation on the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS). Now, lunar mGNSS is extending this proven infrastructure to lunar distances.

Close-up of the NavCube3-mini navigation payload in a laboratory. Several cables and connectors are attached to one side of the compact gold-colored unit, with a blue work surface and fabric-covered equipment visible in the background.

Lunar mGNSS developed the NavCube3-mini, a compact navigation receiver built for high-altitude and lunar users.

As a bridge technology, the lunar mGNSS receiver enables near-term mission readiness while complementing future lunar positioning systems, including NASA’s planned Artemis relay satellite constellation. The NavCube3-mini will fly as a technology demonstration aboard the first Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation Systems (LCRNS) relay satellite, validating the feasibility of GNSS-based PNT services in the lunar environment. The mission will demonstrate receiver performance under actual lunar operational conditions, establishing technical readiness and reducing risk for follow-on implementations. Successful validation and adoption would establish a clear pathway to transition from a technology demonstration to an operational PNT service on subsequent LCRNS satellites.

Lunar mGNSS is enabling near-term mission readiness.

The NavCube3-mini receiver improves on previous NASA-developed GPS receiver technology. At about half the size of a shoe box, a weight of 3.5 lbs, and the power requirements of a standard laptop, it is 83% smaller, 73% lighter, and uses 57% less power than the navigation receiver that achieved a record-breaking GPS fix 116,300 miles (187,200 km) from Earth’s surface during the MMS mission. Size, weight, and power are critical constraints for space missions, and such reductions will allow spacecraft to devote more resources to mission payloads and instruments.

Artist's illustration of Earth with labeled orbital zones and multiple satellites representing GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) constellations and user receivers. Representations of America's GPS and Europe's Galileo GNSS constellations are shown in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), while GNSS receivers on satellites and the International Space Station are marked at locations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with additional satellites in Geostationary/Highly Elliptical Orbit (GEO/HEO), and cislunar space. A label beyond LEO highlights “over-the-limb GNSS signals,” referring to weak or indirect signals received beyond traditional coverage zones. The Moon is on the top right to signify the path of cislunar orbit.

The NavCube3-mini receiver will enable safer operations on the lunar surface without relying on continuous Earth communications.

Through the NavCube3-mini, astronauts and rovers can determine their position autonomously. The NavCube3-mini can use both U.S. GPS and Europe’s Galileo GNSS systems, providing more reliable navigation in challenging lunar environments such as the lunar south pole. By delivering real-time, onboard positioning, navigation, and timing independent of continuous Earth-based communications, lunar mGNSS enhances mission autonomy, safety, and resilience, supporting safer landings and sustained orbital and surface operations in challenging lunar environments.

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