MEASURING THE LUNAR GRAVITY FIELD USING INTER-SATELLITES LASER RANGE-RATE MEASUREMENTS

摘要

In this paper we study the feasibility of a lunar mission that implements low -low satellite-to-satellite range-rate measurement, in order to obtain an improved lunar gravity model.rnIt is proposed here to add a daughter nano-satellite to a mother spacecraft. The mother spacecraft is based on a planned lunar mission program. The daughter satellite will be externally attached to the spacecraft, and released upon arrival to the moon. The measurements performed on-board include the relative range-rate acquired by hser. The data will be down-linked to the Earth, through the mother spacecraft, and processed to provide mapping of the lunar gravity.rnThe paper outlines the physical principles of satellite-to-satellite tracking using laser and analyses the quality of the gravity model obtained from the measurements. Conceptual descriptions of the daughter satellite and of the interface unit are presented.rnThe outcome of the study shows that applying the satellite-to-satellite tracking method to a lunar mission will result in a much improved gravity model, which will cover the far side as well. The required measurement accuracies are within the capabilities of present onboard and ground sensors.