Science on the Lunar Surface Facilitated by Low Latency Telerobotics from a Lunar Orbiting Platform-Gateway

TL;DR

This paper discusses how low latency telerobotics enabled by a Lunar Orbiting Platform-Gateway can facilitate lunar surface science and exploration, including sample return and radio telescope deployment, with lessons applicable to Mars missions.

Contribution

It introduces precursor experiments and proposes lunar science missions using low latency telerobotics, advancing remote lunar surface operations from a space station.

Findings

Successful demonstration of remote rover operations from ISS.

Feasibility of lunar surface science missions with low latency telerobotics.

Lessons applicable to future Mars telepresence missions.

Abstract

NASA and ESA are preparing a series of human exploration missions using the four-person Orion crew vehicle, launched by NASA's Space Launch System, and a Lunar Orbiting Platform-Gateway (LOP-G) that enable long duration (>30 days) operations in cis-lunar space. This will provide an opportunity for science and exploration from the lunar surface facilitated by low latency surface telerobotics. We describe two precursor experiments, using the International Space Station (ISS) and a student-built teleoperated rover, which are laying the groundwork for remote operation of rovers on the Moon by astronauts aboard the LOP-G. Such missions will open the lunar far side, among other sites, for exploration and science. We describe examples of two high-priority, lunar science missions that can be conducted using low latency surface telerobotics including an astronaut-assisted far side sample return and the deployment/construction of a low frequency radio telescope array to observe the first stars and galaxies (Cosmic Dawn). The lessons learned from these lunar operations will feed-forward to future low latency telepresence missions on Mars.