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23 pages, 10006 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Operational Tests for Delay-Tolerant Network between the Moon and Earth Using the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter in Lunar Orbit

by Inkyu Kim, Sang Ik Han and Dongsoo Har

Electronics 2024, 13(15), 3088; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13153088 - 4 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2258

Abstract

The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) was launched on 5 August 2022, equipped on the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle. At present, the KPLO is effectively carrying out its scientific mission in lunar orbit. The KPLO serves as a cornerstone for the development and validation of Korean space science and deep space technology. Among its payloads is the DTNPL, enabling the first-ever test of delay-tolerant network (DTN) technology for satellites in lunar orbit. DTN technology represents a significant advancement in space communication, offering stable communication capabilities characterized by high delay tolerance, reliability, and asymmetric communication speeds—a necessity for existing satellite and space communication systems to evolve. In this paper, we briefly give an overview of the Korea Lunar Exploration Program (KLEP) and present scientific data gathered through the KPLO mission. Specifically, we focus on the operational tests for DTN-ION conducted for message and file transfer, as well as real-time video streaming, during the initial operations of the KPLO. Lastly, this study offers insights and lessons learned from KPLO DTNPL operations, with the goal of providing valuable guidance for future advancements in space communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Delay Tolerant Networks and Applications, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 2414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

KARI and NASA JSC Collaborative Endeavors for Joint Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Flight Dynamics Operations: Architecture, Challenges, Successes, and Lessons Learned

by Young-Joo Song, Jonghee Bae, SeungBum Hong, Jun Bang, Kara M. Pohlkamp and Shane Fuller

Aerospace 2023, 10(8), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10080664 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2634

Abstract

This paper outlines the collaborative efforts between the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) for the Flight Dynamics (FD) operation of the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO). From the outset of the KPLO program, the joint KARI KPLO FD team and NASA JSC Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) have devoted significant time and effort towards ensuring the mission’s success. This paper begins by introducing the aims and scope of the collaborative work, followed by a detailed description of the efforts made between the KPLO FD team and JSC FOD. This includes the top-level concept, interface architecture, test results, established operation procedures/timeline, and the summary of the joint rehearsal conducted. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and lessons learned from this journey, particularly from the practical FD operational perspectives. Thanks to the joint team’s collaborative efforts, KPLO has successfully entered lunar orbit and is performing its mission exceptionally well. The joint experience has fostered mutual trust between KARI and NASA JSC, serving as a foundation for further cooperation and collaboration. The efforts and outcomes described in this work will provide valuable insights to experts worldwide who are willing to foster similar international collaborations in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Techniques and Science Exploitations for Earth Observation and Planetary Exploration)

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26 pages, 37684 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Overview of the Flight Dynamics Subsystem for Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Mission

by Young-Joo Song, Young-Rok Kim, Jonghee Bae, Jae-ik Park, Seungbum Hong, Donghun Lee and Dae-Kwan Kim

Aerospace 2021, 8(8), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8080222 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5993

Abstract

Korea’s first lunar mission, the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), aims to launch in mid-2022 via the Space-X Falcon-9 launch vehicle. For the successful flight operation of KPLO, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) has designed and developed the Flight Dynamics Subsystem (FDS). FDS is one of the subsystems in the KPLO Deep-Space Ground System (KDGS), which is responsible for the overall flight dynamics-related operation. FDS is currently successfully implemented and meets all of the requirements derived from the critical design phases. The current work addresses the design and implementation results for the KPLO FDS. Starting from overviews on KPLO payloads, bus systems, and mission trajectory characteristics, a review on KDGS is also treated briefly. Details on the design philosophy, unique characteristics, and functionalities of all six different modules nested inside the FDS with its Graphical User Interface (GUI) design are discussed. Moreover, efforts currently devoted to the flight operation preparation of the KPLO are summarized, including many collaborative works between KARI and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) teams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)

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