UK SPF Invitation to Tender: Spectrum landscape for lunar communications

The Forum’s open calls for commissioned research are a fantastic opportunity to work with us and explore potential frameworks that advance spectrum policy debates. The UK SPF has focused this year’s commissioning call on examining the future spectrum and regulatory environment for lunar communications, in support of growing international activity on the Moon and the UK’s leadership role in shaping emerging standards and coordination frameworks. 

Future of Lunar Communications: a study of spectrum, regulation and UK leadership options 

Lunar communications rely on a diverse range of links (surfacetosurface, orbitaltoorbital, and orbitaltosurface) to support mission operations, scientific activity, navigation, and future human presence on the Moon. With preparations underway for WRC27, where lunar spectrum issues will be considered, and with missions such as Lunar Pathfinder and Moonlight advancing rapidly, this study aims to help the UK understand how best to influence international frameworks and secure access to spectrum critical for safe, reliable and scalable lunar connectivity. 

Informed by ongoing discussions across ITU, CEPT and SFCG, the UK has a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of globally applicable rules for lunar operations. This study will examine that strategic context, alongside the shift from singlemission links towards multiuser, commercialgrade lunar communication services. 

The research project will seek to understand how lunar spectrum requirements and licensing models should be organised to achieve efficient, secure and interferencefree use of relevant frequency bands, ensuring protection of scientific services while enabling commercial innovation and international alignment. 

Bidders are encouraged to form consortiums to ensure the study captures the full depth and breadth of emerging national capability. 

Key dates 

• ITT issued: 03 March 2026  

• Deadline for clarification of questions: 23 March 2026 

• Deadline to submit your tender: 26 March 2026 

Additional information 

Developing a robust spectrum framework for lunar communications will support the next generation of missions, enable multioperator relay services, and prepare for longterm human presence on the Moon. Scientific communities, especially those conducting radio astronomy and space research on or around the lunar far side, require strong protection mechanisms to preserve radioquiet environments. Therefore, the study will gather evidence on spectrum usage across lunar mission types, exploring potential efficiency gains and assessing propagation characteristics and coexistence challenges across candidate bands. 

The study’s goal is to ensure that perspectives from all relevant stakeholders including industry, space agencies, scientific institutions and international regulatory bodies are accurately represented. Accordingly, the research should evaluate both technical and economic considerations associated with lunar links, including how different mission architectures influence spectrum usage. 

Building on work on lunar mission coordination, relay architectures and cislunar communications concepts, this study will assess opportunities to improve spectrum efficiency, develop innovative licensing frameworks, and explore new coordination mechanisms suitable for multioperator lunar networks. This includes examining requirements for farside and Shielded Zone communications, the coordination of lunar relay satellites, and the policy implications of adopting PNT and surface network services. The study should also consider the costs, feasibility and regulatory implications of transitioning to more advanced communication technologies over time. 

This work aims to support future efforts by the UK Government and regulators to identify strategic opportunities, policy interventions and international positions that would strengthen the UK’s leadership in lunar communications, balancing scientific needs, commercial development and longterm operational sustainability. 

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