GPS will appear on the Moon: LUPIN system will help to navigate the satellite surface
GMV from Spain is working with the European Space Agency on a new navigation system for the Moon. The project is called LUPIN and is designed to help astronauts, robots and even future colonists better navigate the lunar surface.
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The system will work similarly to GPS on Earth, but with one important difference - the satellites will not orbit the planet but will orbit the Moon. GMV plans to use the existing vehicles in lunar orbit and adapt the signals for accurate positioning in real time.
The company explains that currently, navigation on the Moon is difficult due to the dependence on line of sight with the Earth and signal delays. This creates so-called "communication shadows" - areas where data transmission is difficult or impossible. LUPIN will address this problem by covering key areas - including the South Pole, the backside, and permanently shadowed areas.
According to project manager Steven Kay, the technology will be an important step for human presence on the Moon and may pave the way for future missions to Mars.
As a reminder, NASA is developing Mars Chopper, a flying drone that will reveal the secrets of the Red Planet. Mars Chopper is a powerful flying drone the size of an SUV. It will be equipped with six rotors with six blades each, which will allow it to move efficiently in the rarefied atmosphere of Mars.