Joanneum Research develops communication technology for Moon missions

Joanneum Research, a Styrian research organisation, is leading a project to develop communication technologies for future Moon missions, ORF reported. The work is being carried out with the University of Vigo in Spain after the team was commissioned by the European Space Agency.

The project aims to help prevent technical risks during future lunar missions. Researchers are examining radio signals that can reach receivers by different paths, including through reflections from the lunar surface. These effects can impair communication quality by distorting signals or causing their strength to fluctuate.

The team is focusing on the technological challenges of reliable and efficient communication on the Moon and between the lunar surface and Earth. It will study signal formats that are particularly suitable for optimal data transmission.

Components such as coding determine how data is transmitted in a radio signal. Their design is crucial to the efficiency of communications links, including satellite connections, under the special conditions on and around the Moon, said Michael Schmidt, a space technology expert at Joanneum Research.

The researchers said reliable communications systems are essential for future Moon landings, as well as lunar exploration using rovers and astronauts. The Styrian-Spanish team’s work is intended to prepare for future ESA missions.