Talking on the Moon: How Spectrum Research Will Shape the Next Era of Space Exploration
By Jennifer A. Manner, Senior Advisor, Space and Satellite Policy
As the United States plans for humankind’s return to the Moon (including the first woman), there must be reliable communications on and around the lunar surface to carry out exploration and scientific work. To meet this challenge, the International Telecommunications Union is studying potential spectrum allocations for lunar communications in advance of the 2027 World Radiocommunications Conference. The success of this work requires the development of a reliable model for how wireless signals operate on the Moon.
NTIA held a virtual workshop on November 6, 2024, to address challenges and call for greater participation in the development of lunar propagation models. NTIA Deputy Assistant Secretary Sarah Morris kicked off this well-attended event, focusing on U.S. leadership in the return to the Moon (and beyond) and how these efforts can help shape our scientific future and advance our competitiveness economically. Ms. Morris also noted how critical wireless communications are to the success of this effort, including the development of a lunar propagation model.
William Kozma from NTIA’s Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) built on Ms. Morris’ remarks in a presentation that explained how the Moon’s lack of an atmosphere and unique mix of materials and topography offer us new lessons in complexity and require us to explore new ways to model propagation. As a pioneering space-faring nation, the United States has been working hard to drive progress in this effort.
Dr. Whitney Lohmeyer of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) then led a robust panel discussion on the challenges of developing a lunar propagation model. The panel featured Michael Zemba from NASA, Greg Skidmore of Remcom, Chrysanthos Chrysanthou of the FCC, and Dr. Chris Anderson of ITS. These experts underlined some of the very real obstacles, such as terrain and lack of gravity, that spectrum managers are facing in dealing with different propagation aspects and features of the lunar surface and links between the lunar orbit and lunar surface. Importantly, workshop participants also provided their views on model characteristics and necessary developments in response to questions from the audience.
I am hopeful that this discussion will lead to a better understanding of where we are in the development of lunar propagation models and encourage increased emphasis and attention to this vital research topic. Working together, we can ensure that the communications we need to support the United States and the globe’s future efforts on the Moon are available.
The recording of this event is available at the OSM Lunar propagation event YouTube page.