CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING A NEXT-GENERATION LUNAR SURFACE REMOTE-SENSING ARCHITECTURE
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Authors
Gobrecht, Robert E.
Subjects
cislunar
lunar
transparency
Artemis
remote sensing
Outer Space Treaty
lunar observation
lunar
transparency
Artemis
remote sensing
Outer Space Treaty
lunar observation
Advisors
Moltz, James C.
Date of Issue
2024-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In the next decade, there is expected to be a significant increase in lunar surface activity originating from multiple state and non-state actors. An analysis of current operations, policy, and strategy documentation reveals a gap in planning for a lunar surface remote-sensing architecture to support planned lunar activities after current systems are decommissioned. Additionally, existing treaties seem to oblige states to take responsibility for lunar surface activities of any entity that launches from their territory on Earth. This architecture could be used for treaty monitoring and verification, astronaut search and rescue, lunar navigation, and science missions. This thesis posits that persistent sensor access to areas of interest on the lunar surface, deep space communications capacity, and US leadership in communication and navigation standards development are major technical challenges to establishing such an architecture. Policy-related challenges should be addressed in parallel to support the formulation of effective technical solutions. The most pressing policy challenges include conveying the need for this capability based on existing treaties, justifying funding in constrained fiscal environments, and maintaining vital Artemis Accords partnerships. This thesis proposes several constellation designs and recommends a re-prioritization of lunar surface remote sensing as a vital component of lunar infrastructure plans that support enduring human activity on the Moon.
Type
Thesis
Description
Includes Supplementary Material
Series/Report No
Department
Space Systems Academic Group (SP)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.