The Objectives of the Radioscience Experiment in Luna-Resource and Luna-Glob Space Projects

TL;DR

This paper describes the radio-science experiments planned for the Luna-Resource and Luna-Glob lunar missions, focusing on measurement techniques to study lunar and Earth dynamics, internal structure, and fundamental physics.

Contribution

It introduces new radio-science instruments and experimental methods for lunar exploration, including VLBI and SBI, to enhance scientific understanding of lunar and Earth phenomena.

Findings

Expected measurement accuracy of 3-10 mGal for acceleration.

Millimeter-level accuracy in lander distance measurements.

Potential to test general relativity effects.

Abstract

Two radio-science instruments have included into the Luna-Glob and Luna-Resource projects in the frame of Russian Luna exploration program: the lander's radio beacon and the orbiter's receiver. Three types of experiments are planned: orbital doppler measurements, VLBI interferometry, and Same Beam Interferometry (SBI). An accuracy of acceleration measurements in the Lander-Orbiter experiment coud be about 3-10 mGal. VLBI and SBI measurements of relative landers distancies with accuracy better than millimeters should give a tool for a accuracy improvement in the following scientific tasks: precise determination of orbital and rotational movement of the Earth and the Moon, determination of mass distribution and internal movements in the Moon's interior, check of general relativity effects.