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

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.