Lunar Network Coverage Analysis
- Paper number
IAC-06-B3.4.01
- Author
Dr. Charles Lee, California State University, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Kar-Ming Cheung, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
In this article, we investigate the coverage analysis for the lunar network and the Earth ground stations. Our primary study focuses on the direct links between the Earth ground stations and the moon. In particular, we assess the continuity coverage of the moon based on the existing Deep Space Network antennas and the complimentary coverage of other potential stations such as Hartebeesthoek of Africa and Santiago of Chile. We also address the optimal antenna locations on Earth, with different antenna scenarios and antenna availability, in order to provide continuous single and double coverage of the moon. The second part of this article focuses on the relay links between the users on the moon surface and the lunar orbiters. We shall concentrate on the single as well as redundant coverage of the moon surface based on different lunar constellation formations. We end the article with discussion on a few constellations that can provide continuous coverage between any user on the far-side of the moon and Earth without the orbiter-to-orbiter links.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B3.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.