A Simulation of Heterogeneous Networked Lunar Clocks in Rust.

This project aims to use agent-based modeling and simulations to explore how centralized and decentralized PNT service network topologies evolve in a growing lunar ecosystem. Modeling network topologies representative of near-term lunar missions and large future populations of cislunar actors will predict the relative performance, “critical mass” of assets required for service, and coverage of decentralized PNT services and/or GNSS-like beacons providing PNT to lunar missions. There is an abundance of prior art describing optimal orbit configurations for such systems that can also be evaluated in this way.

A fundamental characteristic of the this proposed design is its peer-to-peer topology, ensuring resilience against centralized points of failure. The structure stands robust against interference, adversarial or accidental. The decentralized nature of the design further augments its flexibility, permitting in-flight mission adaptations and potential as a backup for lunar missions, reducing their dependence on individualized PNT structures. Since Wi-Wi is a protocol that works with any radio band, it is likely that several independent PNT services could emerge on different parts of the spectrum. This allows actors to maintain closed PNT utilities or to offer services for a self-sustaining, monetizable, commercially owned-and-operated lunar infrastructure. Critically, public and private PNT utilities may coexist under this paradigm, like how a single transponder can access both terrestrial open-air radio and encrypted radio channels. In essence, this philosophy aims to nurture a resilient PNT ecosystem that accommodates both public and private ventures. Through a credibly neutral protocol for timekeeping, bad actors would not only have difficulty manipulating the service, but they may use this infrastructure themselves and even work to support its canonization.