Implementation Approach of Bidirectional Laser Ranging Technology for the “Tiandu-1” Circumlunar Satellite

This paper investigates the key technologies and influencing factors in realizing two-way laser ranging for Tiandu-1 navigation technology experimental satellite and proposes optimization strategies adapted to current observational capabilities. By constructing a time window model for lunar satellite laser ranging, it is determined that the optimal observation periods occur around the 10th and 26th days of the lunar calendar each month. Mathematical modeling and numerical simulations of laser ranging echo rates confirm that satellite aberration, elevation angle, ranging distance, and weather conditions all significantly affect ranging success, with satellite aberration alone improving the success rate by more than threefold. Based on the simulation results, an optimized observation window selection strategy has been proposed for the Queqiao satellite mission planning, providing a universal approach to enhance the success rate of lunar orbital laser ranging.