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An open-source 240-antenna array to bounce signals off the Moon

MoonRF is an ambitious open-source project designed to democratize Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, traditionally a highly challenging feat for amateur radio enthusiasts. It plans to achieve this by offering modular, software-defined phased array hardware, ranging from a standalone 4-antenna SDR tile to a formidable 240-antenna array capable of actual moon bouncing. This initiative captivates the HN audience by merging advanced radio engineering, open-source principles, and the exciting prospect of accessible space communication.

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The Lowdown

MoonRF, formerly known as open.space, is an ambitious open-source initiative democratizing Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, an advanced amateur radio technique that involves bouncing radio signals off the Moon. Traditionally requiring significant resources, large antennas, and complex manual tracking, MoonRF aims to bring this "ultimate challenge" to a wider audience through accessible, modular, software-defined radio hardware and accompanying open-source software.

  • Project Goal: The primary objective is to enable public participation in EME communication, allowing enthusiasts to connect across vast distances by using the Moon as a passive reflector, and to engage in radio astronomy.
  • Core Technology: The system leverages open-source software and modular, software-defined phased array hardware to simplify the setup and operation of complex EME systems, eliminating the need for bulky, manually pointed dishes.
  • Hardware Offerings: MoonRF proposes a tiered approach to hardware, centered around the 'QuadRF'—a 4-antenna SDR tile (4.9-6.0 GHz C-band) that can function standalone or as a building block. This tile forms the basis for:
    • 72-Antenna Array: An intermediate setup (18 QuadRF tiles) designed for experimentation, high-gain directional links, and receiving downlinks from low-Earth orbit (LEO) amateur satellites.
    • 240-Antenna Array: The flagship EME-capable array (60 QuadRF tiles) specifically engineered to provide the necessary gain and power for moon-bounce communications and C-band radio astronomy.
  • Open Source & Accessibility: The project strongly emphasizes open-source principles for both hardware and software, aiming to significantly lower the barrier to entry for advanced radio activities that were once the domain of highly specialized operators.
  • Timeline & Licensing: The first full kits, including the EME-capable arrays, are expected to ship in July 2026, with the foundational QuadRF tile launching "soon." Operators will need an Amateur Radio (Technician+) license to use the equipment legally.

MoonRF represents a significant leap in amateur radio, combining cutting-edge software-defined radio technology with an open-source ethos to make previously unattainable space-related communication projects a reality for enthusiasts worldwide, fostering experimentation and exploration.