The U.S. space agency is funding research into a system to help astronauts navigate the Moon’s surface. The device will allow lunar explorers find their way in a terrain lacking distinctive landmarks.

The Lunar Astronaut Spatial Orientation and Information System (LASOIS) will use satellite images and footage from stereo cameras on moon rovers. These will then create a 3D map of the region on landing.

A server at the Moon lander will then process data from sensors on the astronauts’ suits and track their position. It will be synchronised with an Earth-based data centre.

The suits will have an arm-mounted LCD touch screen similar to a common GPS navigator. This will display all the necessary info: a map, locations of other people and rovers, suggested paths and so on.

A network of pre-deployed radio beacons will ensure communication and give extra navigational data.

The project is estimated to cost $US 1.2 million.

The LASOIS will be field tested in a lunar-like environment, most likely the Mojave Desert.