A GPS for the Moon: LUPIN Could Revolutionize Lunar Navigation

 
 

 

GPS-based navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze have made traditional maps and compasses nearly obsolete here on Earth. But what happens when you’re navigating 238,900 miles away from the nearest traffic signal?

Recently, Spanish tech giant GMV introduced LUPIN, a GPS-like system designed specifically for the Moon. Supported by the European Space Agency, the system promises to deliver real-time location tracking for astronauts and lunar rovers — something the Apollo-era missions could only dream of.

LUPIN would operate through NASA’s upcoming Lunar Communication Navigation System. GMV recently validated LUPIN during an 11-day field test on Fuerteventura, one of Spain’s Canary Islands — chosen for its moon-like terrain.

Currently, lunar navigation relies on onboard systems like inertial sensors, optical cameras, and lidar. Because rovers can only communicate directly with Earth — often with signal delays and blackouts on the far side of the Moon — they need to operate with high levels of autonomy. That autonomy eats up valuable computing power. LUPIN would relieve that burden and allow rovers to focus more on exploration and data collection. It could even deliver live updates about shifting lunar conditions, such as drifting moon dust or unexpected meteorite impacts.