Positioning, navigation, and timing on the Moon and Mars with galactic cosmic rays.

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Planetary Science
• Navigation Systems

Background:

• Radio and GPS signals are ineffective underground, limiting subterranean exploration and operations.
• Muons possess high penetrative power, enabling signal transmission through dense materials like rock.
• Existing technologies face limitations in reaching significant depths for extraterrestrial subsurface exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the muometric wireless navigation system (MuWNS) for underground machine control and communication.
• To explore the feasibility of MuWNS for lunar and Martian subsurface exploration and base establishment.
• To highlight the potential of muography for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) assessments.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the natural penetration of muons through rock for signal transmission.
• Proposing inflatable structures with artificial atmospheres to generate muons on the Moon and Mars.
• Employing muography to create density maps for geological and resource assessment.

Main Results:

• MuWNS can provide reliable communication and navigation up to 1.5-2.0 km deep on Earth.
• Muon production in artificial atmospheres can facilitate deep subsurface exploration on other celestial bodies.
• Muography effectively maps subsurface density, indicating potential presence of metals, minerals, and water ice.

Conclusions:

• MuWNS offers a viable solution for communication and control in underground environments.
• The system is critical for the exploration and suitability assessment of lunar and Martian lava tubes for bases.
• MuWNS and muography support ISRU and the long-term functioning of extraterrestrial subsurface habitats.