White House Directs NASA to Develop New Time Zone for the Moon

The White House has issued a directive for NASA to formulate a new time zone for the moon by the conclusion of 2026. This initiative is part of the United States' broader objective to establish standardized practices in space, coinciding with the escalating global interest in establishing a sustained human presence on the lunar surface, a primary focus of NASA's Artemis program.

The proposed lunar time standard, termed "Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)," is a significant step towards establishing consistent timekeeping norms beyond Earth's boundaries, as outlined in an April 2 memorandum by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The memo did not clarify whether multiple time zones, akin to those on Earth, would be implemented on the moon. It emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in formulating a suitable standard capable of meeting the precision and durability demands of operating within the lunar environment, benefitting all nations involved in space exploration.

Due to the lower gravity on the moon compared to Earth, time moves marginally faster there — advancing by 58.7 microseconds per day. While seemingly negligible, this discrepancy poses challenges for future missions regarding inter-communication and accurate tracking of satellite and crew positions.

Steve Welby, OSTP's deputy director for national security, underscored the necessity of establishing celestial time standards for safety and precision as missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond gain momentum. He highlighted the potential use of an ensemble of atomic clocks on the lunar surface, akin to those employed on Earth, to facilitate lunar timekeeping.

Kevin Coggins, manager of NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Program, emphasized the necessity for distinct timekeeping mechanisms for different celestial bodies. He noted the unique temporal dynamics encountered when traversing bodies such as the moon or Mars, suggesting the implementation of individualized timekeeping standards.

In the realm of space exploration, various timekeeping methods are employed, ranging from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) for astronauts aboard the International Space Station to "Spacecraft Event Time" utilized for cataloging crucial mission events for spacecraft operating beyond Earth's orbit.

To establish LTC on the moon, NASA indicated that subject matter experts worldwide are engaging in discussions to provide recommendations to the International Astronomical Union regarding lunar reference frames and time systems.

With NASA's Artemis program aiming to send humans to the moon by September 2026, just three months before the LTC deadline, this initiative aligns with broader international efforts towards lunar exploration. China has announced plans for a crewed lunar mission by the end of the decade, while India targets a similar endeavor by 2040.