A High-Precision Lunar Surface Differential PNT, Timing and Selenodetic Reference Station
The NovaMoon Workshop team event brings together engineers, scientists, and stakeholders involved in the development of Europe’s future lunar navigation, reference and timing station.
The workshop will address topics including lunar reference frames and ephemerides, VLBI and DDOR techniques, laser ranging, lunar timescales, optical clocks, time and frequency transfer, and positioning and timing requirements for future lunar infrastructures. Dedicated discussions will also focus on interfaces, operational requirements and scientific objectives, and the role of NovaMoon within the future Moonlight architecture and long-term lunar exploration objectives.
About NovaMoon
NovaMoon is a pioneering ESA initiative aimed at deploying the first lunar surface differential positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) reference station. Located at the Moon’s South Pole, the system will enhance navigation accuracy, support scientific investigations, and contribute to the establishment of a precise lunar reference frame.
By providing local correction data and acting as a stable geodetic node, NovaMoon is expected to improve positioning accuracy from meter-level to sub-meter performance, enabling autonomous operations, precision landing, and sustainable robotic and human exploration.
As part of ESA’s Moonlight programme, NovaMoon contributes to the development of a long-term lunar communication and navigation infrastructure and represents an important step toward future planetary exploration beyond the Moon.
To follow the event online, please register using the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e3dd51c3-4236-4224-8e92-4d7252665dcb@9a5cacd0-2bef-4dd7-ac5c-7ebe1f54f495
Please feel free to share the invitation with anyone who may be interested in participating.
Practical Information
Date: 18–19 May 2026
Timing:
- Day 1: 14:00 start
- Day 2: 18:00 close
The workshop will cover topics including:
First Day
🚀 NovaMoon updates
🌕 NovaMoon positioning and lunar reference frames
Second Day
📡 VLBI and DDOR techniques
🔭 Lunar laser ranging
⏱️ Lunar timescales, optical clocks, and time & frequency transfer
🛰️ Scientific and operational requirements for positioning and timing infrastructures