A Computer Vision-Based Approach for Lunar Laser Ranging Signal Detection

Lunar laser ranging represents the forefront of laser ranging technology. The considerable distance to the Moon and strong background light mean that the signal-to-noise ratio of lunar laser ranging signals is much lower compared with that of satellite laser ranging signals in Earth’s orbit. Accurate processing of lunar laser ranging data is essential for its scientific applications. This paper addresses the challenge of the low signal-to-noise ratio in lunar laser ranging signals by developing a detection model based on computer vision techniques. The model was tested using both simulated data with a signal-to-noise ratio as low as −19 dB and measured data as low as −12.9 dB, with the results demonstrating that the model provides reliable detection in both cases, offering a robust approach for the effective processing of lunar laser ranging data.