THE ADVANCEMENT OF LUNAR GRAVITY MODEL DUE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPACE TRACKING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Based on the three modes of lunar spacecraft tracking techniques: Earth-based tracking mode, high-low satellite-to-satellite tracking mode and low-low satellite-to-satellite tracking mode, the development of lunar gravity models could be divided into 4 stages. First, we introduce the principle, technical characteristics of the different tracking modes, and the representative gravity models, and then make comments on these models’ precision. Further, through the comparison of gravity anomaly precision, characteristics and orbit determination precision from different stages’ lunar gravity field models, we conclude that: the advancement of space tracking techniques has significantly improved the precision of lunar gravity model and effectively promotes the understanding of lunar interior structure and the reliability of lunar satellite orbit determination. Finally, we analyze the deficiency of current lunar gravity models and give a perspective of future space tracking techniques.