BEACON
Biology and Engineering Autonomous Cislunar Optical Navigator (BEACON) Mission Concept
PIs: Dr. Christopher E. Carr and E. Glenn Lightsey
Dates: Spring 2025 to Present
Current Status: Mission concept development
Team: Alexander Rodriguez (Graduate Student), Molly Riebling (Graduate Student), co-advised by Carr and Lightsey
With the Artemis program underway and national interest looking ahead towards Mars, it is imperative to understand the effects of deep space radiation on living systems. Utilizing a three-petal Earth-Moon cycler orbit, BEACON will characterize the cislunar radiation environment and study its impact on microbial evolution, in addition to demonstrating autonomous optical navigation capabilities. We are in the process of designing and validating a yearlong mission concept, including trajectory analysis, spacecraft sizing, and associated mission/spacecraft requirements. BEACON aims to advance space biology, and expand the autonomous orbit determination and guidance, navigation, and control capabilities of future deep space missions.
Abstract:
Rodriguez AG, Riebling ME, Lightsey EG, Carr CE. Biology and Engineering Autonomous Cis-Lunar Optical Navigator (BEACON) Mission Concept Study. 2025 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Boston, Massachusetts, August 10-14 2025 (extended abstract submitted 4/18/25, accepted May 12, 2025).
Funding: Georgia Tech School of Aerospace Engineering Graduate Fellowship award to C.E.C. (supporting A. Rodriguez).