LunaNet is a NASA and ESA project and proposed data network aiming to provide a "Lunar Internet" for cis-lunar spacecraft and installations. [1]
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It will be able to store-and-forward data to provide a Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network (DTN). The objective is to avoid needing to preschedule data communications back to Earth. [1]
LunaNet will also offer navigation services, eg. for orbit determination, and navigation on the lunar surface. [1]
Draft interoperability specifications have been issued. [1]
The LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS) is the document which publishes the LunaNet standard. LNIS version 4 was published online in September 12, 2022. LNIS version 5 draft for review was provided online for comment late 2023 [2] [3] and published in February 2025.
- NASA's instantiation of LunaNet is called Lunar Communication Relay and Navigation System (LCRNS). [4]
- Moonlight Initiative is an ESA project intending to adopt the specifications. [5] [6]
