Lunar and Translunar Emulation

ABSTRACT: A renewed global interest in space exploration is being driven by the search for new resources. The United States, India, Russia, and China have all planned a return to the moon, with a short-term objective of uncovering water to sustain long-term manned missions. Along with the renewed interest comes the development of new technologies to support the exploration, including new communications systems for spacecraft in lunar orbit and for communicating with earth-based relay stations.