Processing GPR Lunar Soil Survey Results Using GEORADAR-EXPERT Software System

This publication presents the results of processing the data obtained during the study of the lunar soil using the geophysical device for electromagnetic subsurface sounding Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR). LPR is part of the scientific equipment complex of the Yutu-2 lunar rover, which has been performing research tasks on the surface of the far side of the Moon since January 2019 as part of the Chinese space mission Chang'e-4. 

LPR data processing was performed using the GEORADAR-EXPERT software system in two ways. One of them was to apply amplitude-frequency transformations to LPR signals to minimize the masking effect of interference on reflections from the boundaries of lunar soil layers. In another way, with the help of automated analysis of the Back-Scattering Electromagnetic Field BSEF (for more details on BSEF analysis, see here), the transition was made from the presentation of information about the subsurface environment in the form of a radarogram, to the presentation of information about this environment and the wave field reflected from it in the form of an attribute section. Based on the results of the BSEF analysis, sections of the real part of the complex relative permittivity, center frequency and Q-factor were obtained, which made it possible to reveal the structural features of the lunar soil and the stages of its formation in the investigated depth range.  

In fig. 1 shows a screenshot of the main window of the GEORADAR-EXPERT software system in the mode of operation with the results of BSEF analysis. In the left part of the main window, there are elements of visualization of BSEF analysis results and settings for creating an attribute section. In the right part there is the section visualization area and controls for the radargram visualization, which is located on the adjacent tab and is currently hidden.

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