NASA has given Remcom a Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract to supply mission-critical wireless channel simulation and coverage analysis capabilities for lunar conditions. The project will add crucial functionality to Remcom’s Wireless InSite 3D Wireless Prediction Software, enabling it to forecast 4G/5G and Wi-Fi system performance in the intricate lunar terrain and guarantee reliable communications for next Artemis missions.
4G and 5G technologies are being modified for lunar communications as part of the LunaNet architecture by NASA’s SCaN program. NASA is improving Wireless InSite’s 3D ray-tracing and channel modelling capabilities in order to solve the particular problems presented by the Moon, including its severe temperatures, crater surfaces, and regolith dust. By improving estimates of the effects of materials and topography on signal propagation on the Moon, such as multipath fading, delay spread, and Doppler effects, these improvements will ultimately optimize the positioning of communication equipment for lunar operations.
The software will be able to simulate coverage scenarios for a number of important use cases thanks to these updates, such as interference analysis between systems and sensitive radio astronomy equipment; connectivity between orbital assets and the surface to ensure continuity of coverage to remote regions; and surface-to-surface connectivity between lunar habitats, rovers, landers, and handheld devices. In addition, an interactive interface for creating unique materials based on the most recent findings regarding the characteristics of bedrock and regolith will be included in the software, along with a basic set of definitions for lunar materials.
“Remcom is proud to be a part of NASA’s return to the Moon,” stated Greg Skidmore, the company’s program manager for the endeavor. Our team is working with NASA and academic leaders to assure dependable wireless communications for these incredibly significant and difficult lunar missions, building on our demonstrated ray-tracing capabilities.
