Data processing and initial results of Chang'e-3 lunar penetrating radar

To improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of the Moon, one of the payloads onboard the Chang＇e-3 （CE-3） rover is Lunar Penetrating Radar （LPR）. This investigation is the first attempt to explore the lunar subsurface structure by using ground penetrating radar with high resolution. We have probed the subsur- face to a depth of several hundred meters using LPR. In-orbit testing, data processing and the preliminary results are presented. These observations have revealed the con- figuration of regolith where the thickness of regolith varies from about 4 m to 6 m. In addition, one layer of lunar rock, which is about 330 m deep and might have been accumulated during the depositional hiatus of mare basalts, was detected.

The penetrating depth analysis of Lunar Penetrating Radar onboard Chang＇e-3 rover

Lunar Penetrating Radar（LPR） has successfully been used to acquire a large amount of scientific data during its in-situ detection. The analysis of penetrating depth can help to determine whether the target is within the effective detection range and contribute to distinguishing useful echoes from noise.First, this study introduces two traditional methods, both based on a radar transmission equation, to calculate the penetrating depth. The only difference between the two methods is that the first method adopts system calibration parameters given in the calibration report and the second one uses high-voltage-off radar data. However, some prior knowledge and assumptions are needed in the radar equation and the accuracy of assumptions will directly influence the final results. Therefore, a new method termed the Correlation Coefficient Method（CCM） is provided in this study, which is only based on radar data without any a priori assumptions. The CCM can obtain the penetrating depth according to the different correlation between reflected echoes and noise. To be exact, there is a strong correlation in the useful reflected echoes and a random correlation in the noise between adjacent data traces. In addition, this method can acquire a variable penetrating depth along the profile of the rover, but only one single depth value can be obtained from traditional methods. Through a simulation, the CCM has been verified as an effective method to obtain penetration depth. The comparisons and analysis of the calculation results of these three methods are also implemented in this study. Finally, results show that the ultimate penetrating depth of Channel 1 and the estimated penetrating depth of Channel 2 range from 136.9 m to 165.5 m（ε_r = 6.6） and from 13.0 m to 17.5 m（ε_r = 2.3）, respectively.

The deconvolution of lunar brightness temperature based on the maximum entropy method using Chang'e-2 microwave data

A passive and multi-channel microwave sounder onboard the Chang＇e-2 orbiter has successfully acquired microwave observations of the lunar surface and subsurface structure. Compared with the Chang＇e-1 orbiter, the Chang＇e-2 orbiter obtained more accurate and comprehensive microwave brightness temperature data, which are helpful for further research. Since there is a close relationship between mi- crowave brightness temperature data and some related properties of the lunar regolith, such as the thickness, temperature and dielectric constant, precise and high resolution brightness temperature data are necessary for such research. However, through the detection mechanism of the microwave sounder, the brightness temperature data ac- quired from the microwave sounder are weighted by the antenna radiation pattern, so the data are the convolution of the antenna radiation pattern with the lunar brightness temperature. In order to obtain the real lunar brightness temperature, a deconvolution method is needed. The aim of this paper is to solve the problem associated with per- forming deconvolution of the lunar brightness temperature. In this study, we introduce the maximum entropy method （MEM） to process the brightness temperature data and achieve excellent results. The paper mainly includes the following aspects： first, we introduce the principle of the MEM; second, through a series of simulations, the MEM has been verified as an efficient deconvolution method; and third, the MEM is used to process the Chang＇e-2 microwave data and the results are significant.

Performance evaluation of lunar penetrating radar onboard the rover of CE-3 probe based on results from ground experiments

Lunar Penetrating Radar （LPR） onboard the rover that is part of the Chang＇e-3 （CE-3） mission was firstly utilized to obtain in situ measurements about geological structure on the lunar surface and the thickness of the lunar regolith, which are key elements for studying the evolutional history of lunar crust. Because penetra- tion depth and resolution of LPR are related to the scientific objectives of this mission, a series of ground-based experiments using LPR was carried out, and results of the experimental data were obtained in a glacial area located in the northwest region of China. The results show that the penetration depth of the first channel antenna used for LPR is over 79 m with a resolution of 2.8 m, and that for the second channel antenna is over 50.8 m with a resolution of 17.1 cm.

Echo simulation of lunar penetrating radar: based on a model of inhomogeneous multilayer lunar regolith structure

Lunar Penetrating Radar （LPR） based on the time domain Ultra-Wideband （UWB） technique onboard China＇s Chang＇e-3 （CE-3） rover, has the goal of inves- tigating the lunar subsurface structure and detecting the depth of lunar regolith. An inhomogeneous multi-layer microwave transfer inverse-model is established. The di- electric constant of the lunar regolith, the velocity of propagation, the reflection, re- fraction and transmission at interfaces, and the resolution are discussed. The model is further used to numerically simulate and analyze temporal variations in the echo obtained from the LPR attached on CE-3＇s rover, to reveal the location and structure of lunar regolith. The thickness of the lunar regolith is calculated by a comparison be- tween the simulated radar B-scan images based on the model and the detected result taken from the CE-3 lunar mission. The potential scientific return from LPR echoes taken from the landing region is also discussed.