LightHOUSE: MIT designs GPS-like laser satellite for cislunar space and Moon missions

MIT Lincoln Laboratory has proposed LightHOUSE, a constellation of high-orbit laser-beacon satellites for cislunar navigation and communications.

Using optical links and stellar imaging, the system would help spacecraft estimate position and velocity between Earth and the Moon.

LightHOUSE could reduce reliance on NASA’s limited Deep Space Network and help close communication gaps around the Moon.

If developed, the GPS-like network could improve guidance and reliability for future Moon and cislunar missions.