Background Concepts
LoRa (from “long range”) is a popular radio communication technique used in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. LoRa is based on spread spectrum modulation techniques derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology. LoRaWAN defines the communication protocol and system architecture.
LoRa and LoRaWAN together define a Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol which is designed to wirelessly connect battery-operated devices to the Internet in regional, national or global networks, and targets key IoT requirements such as bi-directional communication, end-to-end security, mobility, and localization services. The low power, low bit rate, and IoT use of LPWA distinguish this type of network from a wireless WAN that is designed to connect users or businesses, not small/remote devices, and carry more data, using more power.
Student Project to Bounce LoRa Signals Off the Moon
A team of students from the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) school of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) recently presented at the Trenton Computer Festival on their ambitious project to establish Earth-Moon-Earth communication with LoRa modulated signals.
The main goals of the project are:
- to reflect a signal off the Moon and receive it back in New Jersey
- transmit a signal from New Jersey, bounce it off of the Moon, and then receive the signal on a dish located in Alaska
- the final goal for this project is to establish two way communication between New Jersey and Alaska.
See the video below for all the details!
Bouncing LoRa Signals Off the Moon - TCF 2023, track 5, TCNJ student presentations - YouTube
We salute their hard work and wish them much success with this project and beyond!
- This isn’t the first time LoRa signals have been bounced off the moon, but the students believe this may set a record for the longest earth-moon-earth LoRa transmission, as the first ever earth-moon-earth LoRa communication was both transmitted and received from the Netherlands and the student project will transmit from new Jersey and receive in Alaska.
- The students are ECE seniors Patrick Murphy, Wally Lizardo, Jacob Ringers, and Ben Winkler and their advisors are Dr. Katz and Professor Jesson.
- Make sure you check local, national, and international laws before sending or receiving any transmissions.
