En route to the Moon using GNSS signals

Lunar exploration introduces higher requirements in terms of performances, flexibility and cost for all spacecraft subsystems. As for the navigation, the success of GPS in providing autonomous on board orbit determination in Low Earth Orbit environment calls for a possible extension to Earth-to-Moon missions. This paper, referring to the upcoming European Student Moon Orbiter mission concept, investigates such a possibility, considering present and foreseen available GNSS signals. Carrier-to-noise levels achievable during different phases of the mission are evaluated and compared with the thresholds of current satellite navigation hardware receivers. Moreover, possible application of emerging software receivers’ techniques, able to cope with weak signals, is discussed.