A multi-frequency radar sounder for lava tubes detection on the Moon: Design, performance assessment and simulations

摘要: Abstract Lunar lava tubes have attracted special interest as they would be suitable shelters for future human outposts on the Moon. Recent experimental results from optical images and gravitational anomalies brought strong evidence of their existence, but such investigative means very limited potential global mapping tubes. In this paper, we investigate design requirement feasibility a radar sounder system specifically conceived detecting subsurface Moon orbit. This is done by conducting complete performance assessment simulating electromagnetic signatures using coherent 3D simulator. The show that sounding feasible with good margins in terms signal-to-noise signal-to-clutter ratio, dual-frequency able to detect majority lunar based dimension some limitations small having width smaller than 250 m. simulations display an unique signature characterized signal phase inversion roof echo. analysis provided different acquisition geometries respect position sounded tube. confirms orbiting multi-frequency can map reliable unambiguous way