Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Moonlight Programme
Why in the News?
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) Programme.
About Moonlight Programme
| Details | |
| Agency | European Space Agency (ESA) |
| Purpose | To establish a communications and navigation infrastructure around the Moon to support future lunar missions by space agencies and private companies. |
| Planned Missions | Supports over 400 moon missions planned over the next 20 years. |
| Satellite Constellation | Deployment of 5 lunar satellites to provide communication and navigation services. |
| Data Transfer Range | Enables data transfer between Earth and the Moon over a distance of 400,000 km. |
| First Satellite | Lunar Pathfinder, a communications relay satellite built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, is set to launch in 2026. |
| Operational Timeline | Initial services expected to begin by 2028, with full operational capability by 2030. |
| Primary Focus Area | Coverage around the Moon’s South Pole, an area of high interest due to favorable lighting conditions and potential water ice presence in permanently shadowed craters. |
| Global Collaboration | Collaboration with NASA and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) as part of LunaNet for standardizing lunar mission communications and navigation. |
| Significance | – Enables over 400 lunar missions – Supports NASA’s Artemis programme – Provides continuous all-weather connectivity for lunar missions – Focuses on the South Pole for ice deposits – Reduces costs by sharing infrastructure – Technological advancements for Mars missions (MARCONI) |
| Strategic Advantage | Enhances ESA’s role in global lunar exploration and contributes to the future of commercial lunar activities. |
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