Spanish Company Unveils GPS-Style Navigation for Moon Missions

GMV, a technology company based in Spain, has introduced a navigation system for the moon similar to GPS, aiming to make lunar expeditions as straightforward as navigating through a city using apps like Google Maps or Waze.

Named LUPIN, this project is part of an initiative by the European Space Agency to explore innovative positioning, navigation, and timing methods. This comes as interest in lunar exploration rises for various purposes, including scientific research, potential mining, and even future tourism ventures.

“This software brings Europe closer to establishing a human presence on the moon. It may also serve as a crucial step toward future Mars exploration or human settlement on Mars,” stated Steven Kay, the project’s director, in an interview with Reuters.

The new technology was trialed in the unique landscapes of Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands in Spain. GMV conducted tests with the prototype in this earthly location, which shares some characteristics with the lunar landscape.

By utilizing signals from satellites orbiting the moon—similar to those used in GPS—LUPIN enables rovers and astronauts to accurately determine their locations on the moon in real time.

Currently, navigating our planet’s largest natural satellite poses challenges. Spacecraft on the lunar surface depend on complex calculations and data transmitted from Earth, which can be time-consuming and imprecise.

“Communication relies on having a clear line of sight to Earth or on relay satellites orbiting the moon, leading to communication blackouts and delays that impede rapid decision-making,” GMV explained in a statement.

The absence of real-time updates regarding changes to the moon’s surface, such as those caused by recent impacts or dust movements, further complicates operations on the satellite.

GMV intends to merge current lunar maps with information acquired from orbiting satellites that focus on areas in shadow, like the lunar south pole and the “far side.”

“Our aim is for these rovers to efficiently map the lunar surface, enabling astronauts to return in the coming years to work there and establish permanent bases,” commented Mariella Graziano, GMV’s head of strategy.