Human Landing System (HLS) Sustaining Phase Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Concept of Operations

The Sustaining Phase Human Landing System (HLS) Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Concept of Operations (ConOps) describes the general communications systems concepts that will enable a sustained human lunar presence. The HLS Integrated Lander is a vehicular system that first transports lunar surface exploration logistics and mission support equipment from Earth to near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO), then transports crew members from a Crew Staging Vehicle (CSV) in a NRHO to the lunar surface, enables the crew to perform multiple extravehicular activities (EVAs) and access surface assets, and then safely returns the crew to the CSV for return to Earth (RTE). In addition to returning the crew to NRHO, the HLS Integrated Lander also returns lunar samples and other equipment to NRHO to enable sample RTE for scientific study.

While the HLS Integrated Lander will have the capability to communicate concurrently with ground support teams on Earth (Mission Systems), the Crew Staging Vehicle (Gateway) in a NRHO, EVA Spacesuits, and Lunar Surface Assets, when present, the specific communication needs will vary by Artemis mission segment (e.g., Ascent, RPOD, Docked Operations), and by the availability of communications assets. During all crewed mission phases, continuous communications between Earth, Gateway, Spacesuits, and Lunar Surface Assets is required. Therefore, the HLS Provider(s) must provide sufficient Ground Station and/or Relay satellite coverage such that no unplanned communications outages occur during crewed HLS operations.