Local Beacon Network Localization
RF Beacon Network Localization for Ark-Local Assets
Local RF beacon network localization is a surface positioning system comprising twelve 3-kilogram ultra-wideband transceivers that provides 0.3-meter relative coordinate fixes for mobile equipment across the Ark perimeter. Because the Moon lacks global satellite navigation infrastructure, surface assets require local time-of-arrival and received signal strength triangulation at ranges under one kilometer. Each node consumes 5 watts, utilizes patch antennas co-located with communication mesh nodes, and provides a 20-year operating life with a 100,000-hour mean time between failures. The ultra-wideband radio architecture maintains ranging precision through lunar dust, which attenuates the signal minimally compared to terrestrial atmospheric conditions.
Local RF beacon network at known Ark coordinates providing precise relative-position fix for robots, haulers, and equipment within the Ark perimeter.
Purpose
Local RF beacon network at known Ark coordinates providing precise relative-position fix for robots, haulers, and equipment within the Ark perimeter.
Context
Child of L2-NAV-LOC within the Lunar Ark system
Principles
- ▸Multiple beacons at known coordinates
- ▸Time-of-arrival + RSSI triangulation
- ▸Sub-meter accuracy at <1 km range
- ▸Beacons co-located with L3-COM-MESH-NODE
- ▸Coordinated with L3-NAV-LOC-SLAM for indoor/outdoor fusion
Typical implementations
- ▸Industrial RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems)
- ▸UWB ranging systems (terrestrial)
- ▸NASA distributed beacon localization (PMC 7583795)
Lunar considerations
- ▸Lunar dust attenuates UWB minimally vs Earth
- ▸Long-life beacons co-located with mesh nodes
- ▸Topology determined by Ark layout
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Local RF beacon network at known Ark coordinates providing precise relative-position fix for robots, haulers, and equipment within the Ark perimeter. |
| beacons | 12 |
| accuracy m | 0.3 |
Physical
| mass kg | 3 |
| materials | UWB transceivers, Patch antennas, GPS-disciplined oscillator |
| vacuum compatibility | True |
Operational
| power consumption w | 5 |
| thermal range c | -40, 70 |
| lifetime years | 20 |
| mtbf hours | 100000 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Robot position fix
- Hauler position
Requires
- Beacon co-location
- Time sync for TOA
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Local Beacon Network Localization" (L3-NAV-LOC-BEAC). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-NAV-LOC-BEAC
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.