MoonRF: Open-Source 240-Antenna Phased Array for Bouncing Signals Off the Moon
An Open-Source Hardware Project Aims to Democratize Moon-Bounce Communication
MoonRF (formerly open.space) is building an open-source, low-cost digital phased array system that enables anyone to bounce radio signals off the Moon — a feat previously requiring expensive equipment and large dish antennas. The project is now accepting pre-orders with hardware expected to ship in July 2026.
The Technology
Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication has been the holy grail of amateur radio for decades. MoonRF is making it accessible through a modular hardware system:
QuadRF Tile (9-99): A 4-antenna software-defined radio tile operating in C-band (4.9-6.0 GHz). Features include full-duplex operation, 1W transmit power per antenna, ~1.2 dB noise figure, and a Lattice ECP5 FPGA with sub-1ms latency. Can function standalone as a 4x4 MIMO SDR or as a building block.
Mini Array (99-1,499): 18 QuadRF tiles (72 antennas) with ~34 dBi gain and ~52.6 dBW EIRP. Designed for experimentation, fox hunting, drone telemetry, and receiving amateur satellite downlinks.
Moon Array (,499-4,999): 60 QuadRF tiles (240 antennas) with ~39.3 dBi gain and ~63.1 dBW EIRP. Purpose-built for moon-bounce experiments, radio astronomy, RF sky surveys, and ionospheric sensing.
Why It Matters
- Democratizing space communication: Previously only accessible with parabolic dishes and expensive amplifiers
- Modular and scalable: Start with a single tile and grow to a 240-antenna array
- Open-source: Both hardware designs and software are open, enabling community contributions
- Versatile beyond moon-bounce: Applications include open Wi-Fi routers, 5G base stations, drone links, and RF exploration
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | QuadRF | Mini (72 ant) | Moon (240 ant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Array Gain | N/A | ~34 dBi | ~39.3 dBi |
| EIRP | 4W | ~52.6 dBW | ~63.1 dBW |
| Beam Steering | N/A | ~60 degrees | ~60 degrees |
| Power Supply | 12V DC (25W) | 12V DC (450W) | 12V DC (1.5kW) |
| Bandwidth | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
Operating Requirements
An Amateur Radio license (Technician class or equivalent) is required to operate. The system operates in C-band, which may have country-specific restrictions.
Impact on Open-Source Hardware
MoonRF represents one of the most ambitious open-source hardware projects in the communications space. By combining SDR technology with phased array design at consumer-accessible price points, it could catalyze a new wave of radio experimentation and space communication access.