Implementation Approach of Bidirectional Laser Ranging Technology for “Tiandu-1” Circumlunar Satellite

Abstract

To address the problem that the success rate of two-way laser ranging for “Tiandu-1” communication and navigation test satellite is constrained by multiple factors and lacks a systematic mission-planning strategy，a comprehensive solution integrating time-window optimization and key parameter regulation was proposed. By constructing a time window model for lunar satellite laser ranging，the optimal observation period was determined. A mathematical model was developed incorporating factors such as light aberration，ranging distance, and atmospheric attenuation，followed by numerical simulations. A quantitative analysis of the influence mechanism of each factor on the success rate was made. Results show that satellite aberration was the major influencing factor，which, when optimized，improved the success rate by more than three times. In particular， observation conditions with satellite elevation angles exceeding 30°，near-Earth geometries，and favorable atmospheric conditions can significantly enhance the echo return rate. Based on simulation results，an optimized observation window selection strategy was proposed for “Queqiao” satellite mission planning，providing a universal approach to enhancing the success rate of lunar orbital laser ranging.

Keywords

lunar-orbiting satellite laser ranging / laser ranging system / laser ranging time window / laser ranging success rate