How to Bounce a Radio Signal off the Moon, and other Space Communications Adventures

The idea of using orbiting satellites for communication was introduced by science fiction writer and futurist Arthur C. Clarke in 1945. In 1946 the first experiments using the moon as a passive reflector were performed. Building on the idea of passive reflectors, NASA’s first communications satellite project, Project Echo, was begun in 1960. In this project, two large inflatable spheres (100 ft and 135 ft in diameter) were placed into orbit to demonstrate the potential for satellite Communications. Modern communications routinely use satellites to enable global coverage. Unlike the first experiments, modern satellites use solar-powered receivers and transmitters. Designing a satellite link involves an understanding of radio receivers and transmitters, antennas, propagation, Doppler shifts, and digital signal processing. Using amateur radio, it is possible to explore space communications using low-earth orbiting satellites (LEOS) as well as using the moon as a passive reflector. This talk will describe how you can communicate through satellites—including talking with astronauts on the International Space Station—and by bouncing radio signals off the moon using capabilities of the NC State Student Amateur Radio Society station, W4ATC. The talk will include a demonstration of bouncing radio signals off the moon. Pointers will also be given to wireless research opportunities at NC State.

Dan Stancil

Alcoa Distinguished Professor Emeritus, NC State University on November 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM in EB2 1231
Join Zoom Webinar

Daniel D. Stancil is Alcoa Distinguished Professor Emeritus at NC State. His early interest in radios and electronics launched a fun and rewarding engineering career. Along the way he picked up engineering degrees from Tennessee Tech (B.S.E.E.) and MIT (M.S., E.E. and Ph.D.). He has spent many years as a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at both Carnegie Mellon University and NC State. While at CMU he served as Associate Head of the ECE Department, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering. He was Head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at North Carolina State University from 2009-2023, and Executive Director of the IBM Quantum Innovation Center at NC State from 2019-2024. Dr. Stancil is a Life Fellow of the IEEE. He has been an amateur radio operator since before high school, and is presently licensed as WY3O.

This lecture series features exciting and dynamic visiting and virtual speakers from across the range of ECE disciplines. Take some time every Friday morning to be inspired by these great scientists and engineers before heading into the weekend!