Abstract Exploration of the surface of the moon and successful operation of lunar bases in the 1970's and beyond will depend on reliable, long-range communication over the lunar globe as well as between the earth and moon. A system of communication satellites in lunar orbit can provide the communications needed over the moon's surface. Other methods are possible, such as librational satellites, relay towers and ground wave propagation, but appear less practical than satellites. A global communication system for the moon can be established using six lunar surface stations and 12 satellites, six equally spaced in each of two orthogonal polar orbit planes. Terrestrial communication satellite development can be largely utilized for the production of lunar communication satellites. It is estimated that a global communication satellite system for the moon would cost $64 × 10 6 to establish and $23 × 10 6 annually to maintain.