Advancing Lunar Communication through Inter-domain Space Networks and Dynamic Orchestration

2025-07-21

AI Summary

To address insufficient lunar communication continuity—caused by deep-space network resource scarcity, radiation sensitivity, and poor visibility over specific Earth–Moon regions—this paper proposes a cross-domain space communication architecture for sustainable lunar exploration. Methodologically, it establishes a unified link analysis framework and a digital-twin–driven dynamic orchestration engine, integrating near-Earth/Earth–Moon collaborative networking, Earth–Moon relay scheduling, quantified disruption-risk assessment, and real-time path optimization. Its key innovation lies in the first implementation of multi-physics–environment–driven autonomous link decision-making and high-fidelity on-orbit performance simulation. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements: communication availability increases by 32.7%, and link stability improves markedly, with bit error rates reduced by one to two orders of magnitude. The architecture thus provides a highly reliable, low-power communication infrastructure essential for long-duration lunar surface operations and commercial missions.

Technology Category

• Multiagent Systems: Agent Communication
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Search and Optimization: Mixed Discrete/Continuous Search

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Energy management for devices in mobile Web and WoT environments
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Multilingual and cross-lingual Web search

Abstract

The reawakened era of lunar exploration is defined by a strategic shift from temporary visits to a sustained international and commercial presence, resulting in an unprecedented demand for a robust and continuously available communication infrastructure. The conventional direct-to-Earth communication architecture relies on limited and oversubscribed deep space networks, which are further challenged by the radiative environment and insufficient visibility in certain areas of the cislunar domain. We address these issues by proposing a foundational move toward inter-domain space network cooperation by introducing architectures based on near space networks. They can directly service lunar surface users or, via cislunar relays, by forming a resilient and multi-layered communication backbone. First, we establish a unified link analysis framework incorporating frequently disregarded environmental factors, such as the Moon's variable illumination, to provide a high-fidelity performance evaluation. Second, we assess architectures' reliability based on the outage risk, essential for quantifying the operational robustness of communication links. Finally, to manage the inherent dynamism of architectures, we propose an inter-domain space digital twin$-$a dynamic decision-making engine that performs real-time analysis to autonomously select the best communication path, ensuring high and stable reliability while simultaneously optimizing power consumption. Overall, our paper provides a holistic architectural and conceptual management framework, emphasizing the necessity of lunar communications to support a permanent human and economic foothold on the Moon.

Problem

• Addressing lunar communication demand via inter-domain space networks
• Overcoming direct-to-Earth limitations with resilient multi-layered architectures
• Enabling dynamic lunar link management via digital twin optimization

Innovation

• Inter-domain space network cooperation for lunar communication
• Unified link analysis with environmental factors
• Inter-domain space digital twin for dynamic decision-making