Synopsys Collaborates with Partners to Support NASA Artemis Program

Spacesuit analysis and communications system development advance lunar mission readiness

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:50pm

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones, conceptually representing the structural forces and interactions between a spacesuit and the lunar plasma environment.Advanced simulation and digital twin technologies help ensure the safety and success of future Artemis lunar missions by modeling the complex interactions between spacesuits and the lunar environment.Pittsfield Today

NASA has selected Synopsys, Inc. and EMA to verify spacesuit compatibility with the lunar environment, focusing on reducing risks from lunar regolith interactions and electrical charging. Synopsys is also collaborating with Cesium and NASA's Glenn Research Center to validate cellular system performance on the lunar surface using digital twin technology.

Why it matters

Analyzing potential charging and electrostatic discharge issues with Artemis spacesuits is critical for astronaut safety and mission success during sustained lunar surface operations. Developing robust communications systems is also key to enabling connectivity across the lunar landscape.

The details

The joint effort by EMA and Synopsys will apply physics-based analysis workflows using Ansys Charge Plus software to evaluate spacesuit materials, layering, and features across relevant lunar plasma conditions. This simulation work is paired with testing at EMA's Space Environment and Radiation Effects Laboratory. Cesium has integrated 3D lunar topography data into Synopsys' digital mission engineering environment, where Ansys RF Channel Modeler and HFSS software are used to analyze RF signal propagation and antenna performance for lunar communications.

  • NASA selected Synopsys and EMA for this work in April 2026.

The players

Synopsys, Inc.

An American electronic design automation company that provides software, intellectual property, and services used in the design, verification, and manufacture of electronic components and systems.

EMA

A company that provides space environment testing and analysis services, operating one of the few facilities capable of replicating key aspects of the space plasma environment on the ground.

Cesium

A company that provides 3D geospatial data and visualization software, and is part of Bentley Systems.

NASA's Glenn Research Center

A major NASA research center located in Cleveland, Ohio that focuses on aeronautics and spaceflight technology.

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What’s next

The insights from this collaborative work will help inform radio placement and connectivity planning to enable communications outside of a future Moon Base, as well as identify potential 'shadow zones' caused by lunar geography that astronauts and rovers should avoid.

The takeaway

Synopsys' ongoing support for the Artemis program, including spacesuit analysis and communications system development, demonstrates the critical role that advanced simulation and digital twin technologies play in ensuring the safety and success of future lunar missions.