Remote Frequency Transferring and Calibration Test in Chang′E-3 Lunar Radio Ranging

W. Li, J. Ping, M. Wang, J. Sun, D. A. Marshalov, Y. S. Bondarenko

Transactions of IAA RAS, issue 53, 38–43 (2020)

DOI: 10.32876/ApplAstron.53.38-43

Keywords: clock frequency, Chang′E-3 lander, ground observation station, Lunar Radio Ranging, high-accuracy data, remote frequency transferring

Abstract

In very accurate open loop lunar and deep space mission tracking the tracking station frequency standard will introduce error into the Doppler and differential Doppler measurements. The same problem is encountered in VLBI delay rate deep space tracking. To solve this problem we developed and tested a new method using frequency transferring and calibration between remote deep space tracking stations and/or VLBI stations. With the Chang′E-3 lunar lander and the ground application system of lunar exploration program Lunar Radio Ranging (LRR) highly accurate data were obtained of accuracy up to about several millimeters including the influence of ionosphere; the actual accuracy is now still better. High-precision observations provide opportunities for remote frequency transferring and calibration. In China we achieved two-way and three-way data exchange with the Chinese Deep Space stations at Jiamusi and Kashi. In joint research and observations of China and Russia we tested remote frequency transferring and obtained observational data. The theoretic ranging and velocity measurement program has been developed using the Naval Observatory Vector Astrometry Software (NOVAS). As a result of this program submillimeter and submillimeter per second accuracy was achieved. It allows comparative analysis of the parameters obtained from observations and from mathematic modeling. In frequency transferring we achieved a high precision level of about several mHz in the X band.

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