Which GNSS constellations were used for lunar positioning?

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GPS and Galileo Constellations Were Utilised for Lunar Positioning

The Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE) technology successfully received signals from both the United States' GPS and the European Galileo constellations to enable precise positioning on the Moon. This achievement, marking the first time GPS signals have been picked up on the lunar surface, was facilitated by the LuGRE experiment carried on the Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost lander. The spacecraft, positioned over 360,000 km from Earth, established a connection with these Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellations on March 3, 2025.
LuGRE Technology Enabled Lunar GPS Reception

The LuGRE experiment, a collaborative effort with the Italian Space Agency, was instrumental in demonstrating the feasibility of receiving GNSS signals on the Moon. This technology was onboard the Blue Ghost lander, developed by Firefly Aerospace, which successfully touched down on the lunar surface. The successful reception of signals from multiple GNSS constellations represents a significant technological advancement for lunar exploration.
Connection to US and European Systems Achieved

On March 3, 2025, after its successful lunar landing, the LuGRE experiment established a connection with the US GPS and European Galileo satellite systems. This connection allowed the spacecraft to determine its exact location on the Moon. The ability to precisely locate a spacecraft on the Moon, over 360,000 km from Earth, opens up new possibilities for navigation and resource management.
Precise Positioning for Future Lunar Missions

The reception of GPS and Galileo signals on the Moon is a crucial development for future lunar exploration. It is expected to facilitate the creation of autonomous navigation systems, allowing space vehicles to ascertain their positions without constant ground control. This enhanced localisation capability will be vital for more accurate landings and for managing surface operations more effectively.
Facilitating Resource Identification and Extraction

Beyond navigation, the ability to precisely determine a spacecraft's location on the Moon will simplify the identification of natural resources. This improved mapping and localisation will streamline efforts to pinpoint and potentially extract valuable lunar materials. This breakthrough is seen as a significant step towards safer and more efficient lunar exploration in the coming years.

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Which GNSS constellations were used for lunar positioning?

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