Onboard Processing for LunaNet Data Services

The LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS) has been created and released to the public, enabling international commercial and government lunar systems to have a common baseline to work together in forming complex lunar mission networks. The LNIS specifically defines a set of data service protocols that offer multiple options for different types of network users and providers to work together. This includes real-time frame delivery services similar to those classically used by missions, as well as both real-time and store-and-forward networking that will be important as the number of mission users and complexity of lunar mission operations increases. The NASA Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation Systems (LCRNS) project requires lunar relay satellite services to implement onboard processing and networking capabilities in some ways similar to LEO mega-constellations that offer Internet access, but also going beyond those capabilities to meet unique lunar mission needs (e.g. store-and-forward services, LNIS messaging, etc.). Onboard processing will be necessary for a number of different protocols that are included in the LNIS, including support for data transfer over lunar proximity radio links based on CCSDS framing and CCSDS Encapsulation Packets, networking via IP and DTN Bundle Protocol, a suite of DTN Convergence Layer Adapters, and LunaNet messaging services. This paper provides an overview of our work in contributing to and defining the LNIS service interfaces and LCRNS requirements related to onboard processing for data services. This includes exploration of the key aspects of lunar networking concept of operations, technology trade studies, protocols for trunking, applicability and scope of different protocols, messaging, security considerations, and realistic implementation and deployment constraints. While the technology for new lunar relay networks can build upon the recent advances in LEO constellations, there are unique new challenges related to network management, onboard processing hardware/software system constraints, security, and quality of service for human spaceflight missions. As multiple international systems are planned to be put online in the coming years based on the LNIS and derived data services, this work will have a lasting impact that supports the evolution from single-vehicle user missions into scenarios where many surface and orbital assets are able to collaborate over multi-hop networks operated by diverse providers.