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2 clusters · 5 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Lunar Gateway space traffic management development

Overview

Researchers from NASA, Purdue University, and Texas A&M are developing traffic management protocols for cislunar space to support increasing lunar exploration. As the Artemis missions and future habitation modules increase activity around the Moon, the Gateway space station is expected to function as a central hub for arrivals and departures.

Because spacecraft are in constant motion due to gravitational influences from Earth and the Moon, traditional landing strips and control towers do not exist. A study published in Acta Astronautica suggests the Gateway could serve as a lunar spaceport between 2030 and 2040. To manage this, engineers are using thousands of computer simulations to develop algorithms that coordinate the arrival, departure, and loitering of various vessels, such as Orion capsules and logistics modules, within a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO). These protocols aim to ensure spacecraft maintain safe, predictable distances while maneuvering near the station.

Entities

Gateway · NASA · Texas A&M University · European Space Agency · International Space Station

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    NASA researchers develop traffic rules for lunar space

    NASA and academic researchers are developing traffic management protocols for the Moon's orbit to safely coordinate increasing spacecraft activity around the upcoming Gateway space station.

  2. 16 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    NASA Gateway station could serve as lunar spaceport by 2030

    NASA's Gateway station could serve as a lunar spaceport between 2030 and 2040, requiring new orbital traffic management systems to coordinate spacecraft in complex lunar orbits.

Sources

laopinioncoruna.es · larazon.es · ocio.diarioinformacion.com · revistagalileu.globo.com · sapo.pt