Modeling and simulation for ground penetrating radar study of the subsurface structure of the moon

A ground penetrating radar (GPR) is currently within the scope of China´s Chang-E 3 lunar mission, with the purpose of studying the subsurface structure of the Moon. In this study, the key factors affecting a lunar GPR performance are discussed firstly. Geometrical optics and ray tracing approaches are used to simulate GPR echoes from the lunar subsurface, with considering the transmission, attenuation, reflection and geometrical spreading of radar waves in lunar subsurface as well as the antenna directivity. Taking Sinus Iridum region as an example, radargrams are simulated on the basis of lunar surface topography and regolith composition. Finally, potential scientific return from GPR echoes is also discussed.