Scientists are designing a communication system for the Moon that will allow future astronauts to send emergency distress signals and geolocate their positions.

The project, which is led by the University of South Australia (UniSA), proposes building a satellite constellation based on the COSPAS-SARSAT technology already used for search and rescue on Earth, but adapted for lunar conditions.

With its Artemis program, Nasa is aiming to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. This could leave astronauts exposed to high-risk situations in remote areas such as the lunar south pole.

Dr Mark Rice, a UniSA researcher, says the distress system could allow continuous communication with astronauts for up to 10 hours, even in the most challenging terrain, such as craters or mountains.

“Our team has also developed a waveform that supports low-power emergency beacons, ensuring that communication remains possible with minimal infrastructure and energy consumption,” he said.

“This innovation...