Chinese scientists have unveiled ambitious plans to develop a comprehensive communication and navigation network between the Earth and the Moon.
This infrastructure aims to support Chinese Lunar exploration goals and increase the safety and efficiency of space travel. The proposed system includes a satellite constellation and ground stations that provide real-time communication, navigation and monitoring services for lunar missions.
Information superhighway
Researchers from China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering outlined a plan to create an information superhighway between the Earth and the Moon. This network would consist of 30 satellites and three lunar ground stations that would allow real-time communication and navigation for up to 20 users simultaneously.
Yang Mengfeichief designer China’s Chang’e-5 mission, emphasized the strategic importance of this project: “Cislunar space has become a new frontier for human activities. Space activities in this region will expand rapidly in the next decade, leading to a new round of global competition.” The infrastructure would support various space missions by providing precise positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services necessary for both manned and robotic missions.
The construction of this infrastructure is crucial Chinese long-term targets in space exploration. The network aims to provide comprehensive services for communication, navigation and data transmission, ensuring that lunar missions can be carried out with high precision and reliability. The ability to maintain real-time communications and navigation will be critical to the success of future lunar exploration and potential colonization efforts.
Stages of development
The development of the cislunar infrastructure is planned in three stages, each building on the previous one to create a robust and reliable network:
Initial phase: This phase focuses on supporting robotic and crewed lunar missions with a pair of satellites in elliptical lunar orbits and a control station on the lunar surface. This initial system will allow communication with the South Pole region of the Moon for at least 10 users simultaneously. It lays the groundwork for more complex operations and creates the primary communication channels needed for lunar missions.
Expansion phase: In this phase, 10 satellites will orbit the Moon, Earth, and specific locations known as Earth-Moon Lagrange points. A second lunar ground station will be established, which will improve the data transfer rate to 5 gigabytes per second and increase the accuracy of navigation to 100 meters in the region of the South Pole of the Moon. The goal of this phase is to expand the coverage and improve the performance of the network to be more capable of supporting different mission requirements.
The last stage: This stage integrates a comprehensive network of 30 satellites and three lunar ground stations, reaching a data transfer rate of 10 gigabytes per second. Navigation accuracy will improve to 10 meters for lunar surface activities and 50 meters for Earth-Moon travel. The Very Long Baseline Interferometry system will track the spacecraft up to 900 million kilometers to the nearest kilometer and support deep space missions to Jupiter and beyond. “Our study presented a roadmap for building such a constellation step by step, expanding its coverage from the lunar south pole region to the entire moon,” said Peng Jing, deputy chief designer of China’s Chang’e-5 mission.
Lunar GPS: A highly accurate navigation system
In addition to the communication network, Chinese scientists are also planning a satellite navigation system around the moon, often referred to as Lunar GPS. This system will provide highly accurate location services, improve navigation and positioning accuracy for movements, landings and takeoffs on the Moon.
The navigation system it will be developed in three phases and will deploy satellites in four types of orbits. The goal is to maintain a sustainable and cost-effective design that ensures reliable coverage and high accuracy. Peng Jing explained the importance of this system: “A satellite constellation in the near lunar space can provide real-time, high-precision navigation and positioning for movement, landing and takeoff on the lunar surface and support high-frequency human exploration. A month in the long run.”
This Lunar GPS will be critical to the success of future lunar missions. By providing accurate navigation data, it will help ensure safe landings, efficient surface operations and reliable return journeys. The system’s high-precision services will also be essential for scientific research, resource extraction and potential lunar settlement.
International competition and cooperation
The concept infrastructure of cislunar space is gaining ground globally, with the US, Europe and Japan also proposing similar systems to support their lunar exploration ambitions. The United States Air Force is developing the Cislunar Highway Patrol System to detect, track, and identify man-made objects at lunar distances.
The Chinese initiative seeks to create a competitive advantage in the emerging cislunar economy and support the nation’s aspirations as a space power. The proposed infrastructure aims to avoid repetitive construction and optimize resource allocation for future missions, including manned moon landingbuilding an international lunar research station and an exploratory mission to the outer solar system.
In response to the growing interest in cislunar infrastructureInternational cooperation can also play a vital role. Sharing technology, data, and best practices could increase the effectiveness and efficiency of lunar exploration efforts. Collaborative projects could lead to more sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes and foster a spirit of cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.
