Session
Weekend Session I: Advanced Technologies Research & Academia 1
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Lunar navigation and communication satellite systems are now recognized as important infrastructure for more efficient lunar exploration. While establishing a full constellation system will take several more years, lunar surface explorations are already becoming more active. To address the immediate demand for positioning and communication relay, especially in the South Pole region, a nimble technology demonstration mission named Lunar Navigation CubeSat (LunaCube) has been proposed. Following the completion of preliminary design in 2021 and detailed design in 2022, the engineering model was developed in 2023. This paper presents updated orbit analysis that considers trade-off between orbit maintenance costs and positioning accuracy in low lunar orbits. Additionally, this paper details the development results of engineering models for components, such as the lunar navigation transmitter and the store-and-forward radio. It also summarizes the results of the system's environmental tests.
Engineering Model Development of LunaCube: 6U Dual-Satellite Lunar Navigation and Communication System
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Lunar navigation and communication satellite systems are now recognized as important infrastructure for more efficient lunar exploration. While establishing a full constellation system will take several more years, lunar surface explorations are already becoming more active. To address the immediate demand for positioning and communication relay, especially in the South Pole region, a nimble technology demonstration mission named Lunar Navigation CubeSat (LunaCube) has been proposed. Following the completion of preliminary design in 2021 and detailed design in 2022, the engineering model was developed in 2023. This paper presents updated orbit analysis that considers trade-off between orbit maintenance costs and positioning accuracy in low lunar orbits. Additionally, this paper details the development results of engineering models for components, such as the lunar navigation transmitter and the store-and-forward radio. It also summarizes the results of the system's environmental tests.
