Lunar sub-surface remote sensing by spacebome microwave Interferometric Radiometers: Analysis and preliminary results

Abstract

In this paper we propose a mission concept, called Lunar Interferometric Radiometer by Aperture Synthesis (LIRAS), which addresses the high-resolution mapping and vertical sounding of the Moon sub-surface for planetary analysis and studies. This is done by taking advantage of the antenna aperture synthesis technique applied to a multi-frequency microwave passive payload. The final objectives of this study are to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the LIRAS project and then, with the aid of microwave simulations of Moon soil behavior and the synthetic antenna aperture, to present a preliminary design of the LIRAS spacecraft system.