UK SPF Cluster 4 workshop round up: Lunar communications & ITU WRC-2027 Agenda Item 1.15
The UK Spectrum Policy Forum’s Cluster 4 workshop brought together experts and stakeholders to examine the future of lunar communications, with particular focus on emerging lunar programmes, spectrum management challenges, and international regulatory developments relevant to ITU WRC‑27 Agenda Item 1.15. The discussion highlighted the growing interdependence between lunar communications infrastructure, sustainable spectrum use, and the protection of both terrestrial and space‑based services.
Why the future of communications must consider the lunar economy?
The workshop provided an overview of current developments in lunar communications infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and enabling technologies that will support sustained lunar activity. A key focus was on major lunar programmes aimed at establishing long‑term operational capabilities on and around the Moon. These include planned satellite‑based lunar communication and navigation systems, as well as cargo and payload delivery lander missions designed to support surface exploration and infrastructure deployment. Initial operational capabilities are expected in the near term, with more advanced missions enabling persistent lunar presence over the coming decade.
Spectrum management and regulatory considerations formed a central part of the discussion. While most lunar activities currently operate within existing space‑related service allocations, gaps remain—particularly for surface‑based operations and emerging use cases. International regulatory processes are seeking to address these challenges through upcoming WRC agenda items focused on establishing or adapting allocations for communications between the lunar surface, lunar orbit, and Earth. Compatibility studies are ongoing to ensure coexistence with other services, including terrestrial systems and scientific space services, with particular attention to protecting radio astronomy operations, including those in lunar shielded zones.
International coordination was highlighted as essential to achieving sustainable and interference‑free lunar operations. Space agencies, regulators, and industry stakeholders are increasingly working together to promote harmonised spectrum use and a coherent global framework. Such coordination is seen as critical to supporting the growth of lunar communications while ensuring equitable and efficient use of limited spectrum resources.
Spectrum pressures and societal impact
Industry and academic contributors highlighted how technological innovation is reshaping lunar communications. Advances in software‑defined payloads, digital signal processing, and machine learning are enabling more efficient use of spectrum, stronger data recovery from weak or disrupted signals, and reduced dependence on large or costly ground infrastructure. These approaches enhance system resilience in deep‑space environments and allow performance improvements without significant hardware changes. Machine‑learning techniques trained on historical mission data are also being applied to recover corrupted signal frames, improving data throughput and robustness under challenging conditions.
There was strong emphasis on the need for regulatory frameworks to evolve in step with technological progress. Flexible and adaptive approaches were viewed as essential to avoid unintended constraints on innovation, particularly as lunar missions become more frequent and operationally diverse. Early engagement with mission planners, support for interoperability, and more responsive regulatory mechanisms were identified as key enablers for sustainable growth in lunar communications infrastructure.
Academic research is playing an increasingly important role in shaping next‑generation lunar and non‑terrestrial networks. Large collaborative research initiatives are exploring advanced communication architectures that integrate sensing, artificial intelligence, and energy‑efficient network design. Particular attention is being given to so‑called “frugal AI” approaches, which enable intelligent network management using low‑power, resource‑constrained computing—capabilities that are especially well suited to the harsh and isolated lunar environment.
Concerns were raised about ensuring fair and coordinated use of lunar spectrum resources and avoiding uncoordinated or speculative activity as lunar operations expand. Maintaining equitable access to spectrum and protecting radio astronomy were identified as ongoing challenges requiring sustained technical and policy collaboration. Advanced simulation and modelling tools are increasingly being used to assess lunar communication links and mission trajectories, supporting more informed mission planning and helping to optimise spectrum use under realistic operational conditions.
Conclusion
The workshop underscored that lunar communications are rapidly evolving into a complex ecosystem in which regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and international coordination must advance together. Ensuring alignment across these domains will be essential to enable safe, efficient, and scalable lunar exploration, while supporting the development of the communications infrastructure needed for future missions and long‑term activity on and around the Moon.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Telecoms Programme, the Data Centres Programme, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
