Satellite Navigation of Lunar Orbiting Spacecraft and Objects on the Lunar Surface

Abstract

A concept of a global lunar navigation satellite system (GLNSS) based on the existing navigation infrastructure of the GLONASS is proposed. It is supposed to be implemented through the creation of a constellation of navigation satellites in the Earth orbit to serve the needs of both lunar spacecraft and objects on the lunar surface. Two variants for the deployment of the orbital constellation are considered. The navigation solution in the vicinity of the Moon was simulated using signals from the proposed GLNSS. The accuracy of the GLNSS navigation solutions has been estimated for all types of users.