White House Orders NASA To Set Moon Time Standards

NASA must set time on the Moon (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA Humans have information about time cycles on the Moon and other planets. Although humans already know the period of day and night on the Moon, there is no time-series as yet. Determination of time standards on the Moon would actually benefit many parties, both ordinary communities and space agencies. Therefore, the White House askedNASA to establish a more integrated time standard on the Moon.This order was made by the Head of the White House Science and Technology Policy Office (OSTP). In a memo seen by Reuters, the OSTP instructed NASA to create a Coordinating Moon Time (LTC) with the US government. It was not stated what government agencies should cooperate with NASA in making that time standard. However, OSTP provides a time limit until the end of 2026 to make an LTC preparation plan. According to OSTP, LTC will be a benchmark for spacecraft and satellites designed for lunar purposes. LTC is also useful as a time synchronization between the Moon and Earth according to NASA's Head of Communication and Space Navigation Kevin Coggins.

"Imagine atomic clocks at the US Navy Observatory (in Washington). The clock is the nation's heartbeat, synchronizing everything. You definitely want a heartbeat on the Moon," Coggins said, quoted by Reuters. In fact, LTC will facilitate the Artemis program deployed by NASA. With massive exploration efforts on the Moon, this time standard will be needed to coordinate operations, ensure transaction reliability, and manage lunar trading logistics. Although it is not easy, NASA must set up a standard time month that will be recognized internationally. If LTC is successful, the US can take further leadership in the space sector and this time standard can also be used by space agencies around the world.