Visibility Analysis of GNSS Satellite Signals by Lunar Orbit Satellites and Probes

Abstract

The visible quantity and time of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite signal in lunar orbit is an important factor for lunar probe to use GNSS to realize auxiliary navigation. To deal with the problems that the number of GNSS satellites visible by lunar orbiting satellites and lunar surface detectors is not clear and the comparative analysis is insufficient, this paper selected the lunar elliptical frozen orbit (ELFO), the Peter region of the moon and the Shackleton region of the south pole of the moon as analysis targets, analyzed and statistically analyzed the number and duration of visible GNSS satellites under different ELFOs, lunar surface conditions, and lunar South Pole relay conditions. Simulation results reveal that, in the Peter region, minor surface movements have minimal impact on the number of signals received by Beidou satellites; and at Shackleton, the South Pole’s ELFO-Satellite 3 orbit supports visibility of up to four Beidou and GPS satellite signals during positioning activities. The ELFO-Satellite 3 orbit demonstrates the highest GNSS signal reception within its operational cycle, offering substantial potential for lunar navigation. These findings provide valuable insights for China’s “Magpie Bridge” Navigation Remote Constellation System and future lunar probes, especially in leveraging GNSS satellite signals for navigation and positioning on the lunar surface and in lunar South Pole regions.

Keywords

lunar navigation constellation system / ELFO / GNSS visibility analysis / navigation and positioning