On February 14, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent for his invention – the telephone. The invention of the telephone was one of the most significant events in the modern history. We could say that the telephone laid the early foundations to cellphones and the internet. What do all these significant inventions have in common? They were created as tools for people to communicate.
What is the next big step in the field of communication? How about a Moon-to-Earth satellite communications network.
Lockheed Martin has created a subsidiary company, Crescent Space, which goal is to help build lunar infrastructure. The first big project for Crescent Space is developing and manufacturing Moon-to-Earth satellite network – Parsec. Parsec will consist of small lunar satellites that will be capable to provide continuous connection between astronauts and aid with lunar navigation.
Just as here on Earth we can navigate with the help of a Satellite network, Parsec will bring same GPS capabilities to the Moon. Parsec’s navigational capabilities could prove to be very useful for astronauts working and living on the lunar surface, as it could lay out a route to a destination, avoiding craters or other obstacles.
The first satellite nodes could be operational as soon as 2025. Crescent Space CEO Joe Landon does not hide the fact that they are hoping to obtain a government contract from NASA. Company’s offering would be perfect for future Artemis Moon landing missions.
It seems that we have another space race on our hands with national efforts from China and the US as well as private efforts like SpaceX’s lunar tourism. Crescent Space is well positioned to profit from the “lunar race” especially with Lockheed Martin’s rich history of securing government contracts.
