SCaN: Enabling Moon to Mars

Bringing Internet-like Connectivity to the Moon

LunaNet is an internationally coordinated framework for interoperability. The LunaNet concept is based on a structure of mutually agreed-upon standards, protocols, and interface requirements that will enable interoperability across multiple organizations.

Connecting Assets On and Around the Moon

Establishing a network of communication relay satellites in lunar orbit will enable continuous and reliable communication between lunar missions and mission control on Earth. NASA SCaN’s Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation Systems (LCRNS) project is working with selected commercial companies to verify the relay services are developed to the established Artemis requirements. 

Bringing Cellular Service to the Lunar Surface

SCaN’s Lunar Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is researching the deployment of state-of-the-art wireless technologies on the Moon, specifically the 4G and 5G systems that empower our mobile networks on Earth. Applying the same technology leverages decades of investment, development, and operational heritage to ensure that astronauts can reliably communicate with each other, their vehicles, and their instruments on the lunar surface with the same high data rates and resiliency that has become ubiquitous on Earth.

Bringing Laser Communications to Artemis

The Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System (O2O) will enable Orion to send back video and high-resolution images. Using laser communications rather than radio signals, O2O will transmit science data, procedures, flight plans, communications, and be a link between Orion and mission control on Earth at rates up to 260 Megabits per second.

Using GPS on the Moon

In 2025, as part of the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Firefly Aerospace landed the “Blue Ghost” lunar lander on the Moon. Onboard was SCaN’s Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE), which investigated whether signals from two GNSS constellations could provide precise navigation on the Moon. NASA and the Italian Space Agency made history when LuGRE became the first technology demonstration to acquire and track Earth-based navigation signals on the Moon’s surface.  

Handling the Refraction on the Moon

Near the lunar south pole, the Earth is only visible near the horizon, which means communications links between the Earth and the Moon are more likely to reflect off the lunar terrain and result in destructive interference. SCaN’s Lunar Surface Propagation (LSP) project is gathering performance data from recent and upcoming lunar landers and studying how to model, simulate, and emulate wireless communications for the unique conditions of the lunar surface.

Streaming High-Definition Video on the Moon

SCaN is working closely with private industry to develop innovative communications technology needed to enable NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). The Ka-band Steerable Terminal for the Lunar Environment (KaSTLE) project is is designing and building a product line of electronically steerable Ka-band phased array antennas capable of meeting the unique requirements of NASA’s LTV. This will enable the LTV to stream high-definition video while in motion on the lunar surface.

Adding Antennas to the Deep Space Network

Through the Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement Program (DAEP),  NASA SCaN is adding a new antenna to support increased demand for the Deep Space Network. When operational, Deep Space Station 23 will receive transmissions from missions such as Perseverance, Psyche, Europa Clipper, Voyager 1, and a growing fleet of future human and robotic spacecraft in deep space. 

Equipping Missions with More Autonomy

The farther NASA travels toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the more missions will need to function autonomously with less reliance on Earth-based operators. NASA is developing an onboard core Flight System (cFS) application suite and flight hardware solution that enables spacecraft with autonomous navigation, guidance, and control (autoNGC). autoNGC integrates navigation, guidance, and control functions into a cohesive system, enhancing mission responsiveness.