The White House has directed NASA to establish a unified standard of time for the moon and other celestial bodies, aiming to set international norms in space amid increasing competition.
- The directive comes from the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), instructing NASA to develop a plan by the end of 2026 for a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC).
- LTC would provide a time-keeping benchmark for lunar spacecraft and satellites, considering the differing gravitational force and other factors on the moon and celestial bodies.
- NASA’s Artemis program aims to send astronauts to the moon and establish a lunar base, involving numerous companies, spacecraft, and countries.
- Lack of a unified lunar time standard could pose challenges in data transfers between spacecraft, communication synchronization, and commercial activities on the moon.
- Deployment of atomic clocks on the lunar surface may be necessary to establish LTC.
- The initiative for a unified lunar time standard aligns with international efforts and may involve agreements among nations, including those within the Artemis Accords.
- While the U.S. leads in defining the standard, international cooperation will be crucial, potentially influenced by existing standards like Coordinated Universal Time.
Q: What is the name of the proposed standard time for the moon and other celestial bodies?
a) Lunar Standard Time (LST)
b) Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)
c) Celestial Time Standard (CTS)
d) Universal Lunar Clock (ULC)
Ans : b) Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)
Q: What is the average time difference between an Earth-based clock and a person on the moon (per Earth day)?
(a) It is always the same.
(b) There is no difference.
(c) An Earth-based clock would be 58.7 microseconds faster.
(d) An Earth-based clock would lose 58.7 microseconds.
Ans : (d) An Earth-based clock would lose 58.7 microseconds.
