Description: To contribute to the development of lunar applications of 3GPP networks, Astranis will integrate commercial 3GPP 5G microcell firmware/software in small satellites (smallsats) equipped with software defined radios (SDRs) to create 5G networks for lunar communications. The networks can also be used to collect RF channel data to improve lunar radio frequency (RF) channel modeling. The combination provides a low-cost approach to create a communications network with full lunar coverage which can evolve the latest in 3GPP standards. The study will analyze the feasibility of implementing 5G-gNB microcell technologies within the Astranis SDR hardware and evaluate the potential performance and risks of using microcells as part of a broader adaptive lunar communications architecture. The study will evaluate a range of architectures and orbits to provide guidance on how to implement 5G protocols in a lunar orbital environment with differing ranges and channel effects than terrestrial networks such as doppler or scintillation. The funding for the SBIR will cover labor costs to conduct the feasibility study and operation of the tools to run the analysis.

Benefits: The innovation at the heart of this feasibility study will support communications functions for all future NASA missions, including Artemis and building out the LunaNet architecture. This technology can also be applied to other planetary exploration missions, such as Mars. Astranis intends to support the Artemis Program and other NASA partners in their lunar communications needs.Several companies that specialize in market research have looked at the cislunar infrastructure market. Although early indications are that it will be predominately government funded and established, there are several areas of business interest beyond government and specifically NASA applications. The non-NASA areas are driven by business and consumer goods production but start with things like material extraction. The consensus appears to be that the technology areas can be captured in the following Technology Market Segments: Propulsion Systems, Communications Systems (Relay Satellites), Space Stations, and In-Space Transportation Vehicles. Astranis plans to leverage its current satellite communications capability to develop a technology to enable a network of Cislunar communication satellites in the 3GPP domain. The Market analysis we reviewed indicates a growth from 2022 to 2032 of some 11% (CAGR) which grows the market from $3-6B to $6-10B. The market for lunar relay satellites for non-NASA applications is a small percentage of this market. However, leveraging the NASA requirements for a network with few users that is highly scalable provides just the opportunity that more commercial users will need. This provides the basis for communications needs of companies interested in mining and material extraction among others and a multitude of other applications.