Lasers in moon craters could create a lunar GPS system – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Researchers are examining whether lasers anchored in the moon’s coldest and darkest craters could form the backbone of a navigation network for future lunar operations. The approach would rely on the stable conditions inside these permanently shadowed regions to keep the lasers steady over long periods. Such a system would give Artemis astronauts and robotic spacecraft a reliable way to determine their exact positions on the lunar surface, far beyond what current methods allow.
The Unique Environment of Lunar Craters
Permanently shadowed craters near the moon’s poles never receive direct sunlight. Temperatures there remain extremely low, which reduces thermal expansion and contraction that can affect sensitive instruments. Scientists believe these conditions could help maintain the alignment of lasers for extended durations without frequent adjustments.
The absence of light also minimizes interference from solar radiation and dust particles kicked up by sunlight. This combination of cold and darkness creates a natural laboratory for equipment that must operate with high stability. Early concepts focus on these sites because they offer advantages not found elsewhere on the moon.
How a Laser-Based Network Would Function
Multiple lasers positioned in separate craters would emit precisely timed pulses. Receivers on rovers, landers, or spacesuits would measure the time it takes for the signals to arrive, allowing them to calculate distances and locations. The result would resemble a local positioning system tailored specifically to the lunar environment.
Because the lasers remain fixed in known crater locations, the network could provide continuous reference points. Astronauts would no longer depend solely on inertial measurements or Earth-based signals that weaken or become obstructed. The system could update position data in real time as crews move across the surface.
Advantages for Artemis Exploration
Artemis missions plan to establish a sustained presence near the lunar south pole, where rugged terrain and long shadows complicate movement. A crater-based laser network would help crews avoid hazards and reach scientific targets more efficiently. Spacecraft could also use the same signals for automated docking and landing procedures.
Greater precision would support detailed mapping of resources such as water ice, which is thought to exist in these same shadowed areas. Teams could return to exact sites for repeated measurements without losing track of previous locations. This capability becomes especially valuable during extended surface operations lasting weeks or months.
Remaining Questions and Development Path
Engineers still need to determine how to deliver and install the lasers in such remote, harsh locations. Power sources that function without sunlight must be developed, along with methods to protect the equipment from micrometeorites. Communication links back to Earth or orbiting relays would also be required to monitor performance.
Testing on Earth analogs and future robotic missions could help validate the concept before human crews arrive. The timeline remains uncertain, yet the potential payoff in navigation accuracy continues to drive interest among mission planners. Continued study will clarify whether the approach can move from concept to operational reality.