Optimized Contact Plan Design for Reflector and Phased Array Terminals in Cislunar Space Networks

Abstract

Cislunar space is emerging as a critical domain for human exploration, requiring robust infrastructure to support spatial users-spacecraft with navigation and communication demands. Deploying satellites at Earth-Moon three-body orbits offers an effective solution to construct cislunar space infrastructure (CLSI). However, scheduling satellite links to serve users necessitates an appropriate contact plan design (CPD) scheme. Existing CPD schemes focus solely on inter-satellite link scheduling, overlooking their role in providing services to users. This paper introduces a CPD scheme that considers two classes of satellite transponders: Reflector Links (RL) for high-volume data transfers and Phased Array Links (PL) for fast switching and navigation services. Our approach supports both satellites and spatial users in cislunar space. Simulations validate the scheme, demonstrating effective support for user while meeting satellite ranging and communication requirements. These findings provide essential insights for developing future Cislunar Space Infrastructures.