Lunar In-situ Navigation and Communication Node - LUNINA

LUNINA is an in-situ navigation and communication node. The proposed platform is designed to be a compact, independent, cost effective, robust, and location independent navigation beacon and communication relay on the Moon that can operate 24/7. The design draws from the European Space Agency (ESA)-funded MiniPINS LINS platform [1], developed for long-term deployment in the Schrödinger crater but adaptable to other lunar environments with sufficient sunlight. Each LINS unit incorporates a Radioactive Heating Unit (RHU) to maintain functionality during the cold lunar night and uses solar panels and batteries for continuous power.

LUNINA serves two primary purposes: navigation and communication. As a navigation aid, each node emits signals that support line-of-sight users on the  surface and orbiting spacecraft, providing critical assistance for tasks such as landing and launch operations. When deployed at elevated locations, the nodes enhance surface navigation by offering precise positioning. For communication, LUNINA functions as a relay for data transfer between ground and orbit-based users. The elevated placement of nodes allows them to cover larger surface areas and relay messages through a network configuration. This capability supports both localized communication near lunar bases and broader applications across the Moon's surface.

Figure 1: LUNINA nodes (in red dots) in Schrödinger crater around the Lunar Base (green dot).

The platform functions as a durable communication and navigation network for lunar missions. The default payload for LUNINA is a communication system, which facilitates seamless integration into lunar infrastructure. Designed as a "drop and forget" solution, the system offers long-term reliability for safe and flexible lunar exploration.

Figure 2: Different applications of the LUNINA node.

The inclusion of an RHU would allow the thermalization of the in-situ LUNINA unit during the Lunar night, where energy storage need may lead to unaffordable battery volumes. Radioisotope power systems utilising americium-241 as a heat source fuel have been under development in Europe since 2009 as part of a European Space Agency funded programme [2].

The LUNINA platform will support multiple navigation methods, including ranging and range-rate measurements. Utilizing signals from multiple nodes enhances navigational accuracy for landing and launch operations. As part of the broader Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) initiative, the system’s modular design allows for future upgrades to maintain compatibility with evolving infrastructure.

Key Features:
1. Compactness: Derived from the MiniPINS LINS platform.
2. Independence: Capable of continuous 24/7 operation.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Using the heritage LINS, standardized parts and systems, the costs of development is minimized. Once node is developed, the node can be mass produced, bringing down its cost.
4. Robustness and Modularity: Supports standardized interfaces and updatable software.
5. Durability: Designed for long-term operation with upgradable software.
6. Location Independence: Deployable anywhere on the Moon.

References:
[1] Genzer M., et al. "MiniPINS - Miniature Planetary In-situ Sensors," EGU General Assembly 2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-11282.

[2] Ambrosi et al., "European Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) and Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) for Space Science and Exploration," Space Sci Rev 215, 55 (2019), https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-019-0623-9.