Studies and Simulations of Inversion Measurement of the Relative Permittivity of the Lunar Regolith Based on the Lunar Penetrating Radar of the Chang'E-3

The Chang'E-3 lunar probe was launched on December 2, 2013 and successfully landed on the moon. One of its important scientific payloads, the Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR), is equipped on the lunar rover (Yutu) released by the Chang'E-3. The LPR has accomplished a first-ever on-spot radar survey of the lunar surface. In this paper we introduce the calibration method and the method of signal-delay measurement with the LPR dual-antenna receiver to measure the relative permittivity of the lunar regolith. The methods are based on the detection principle of the LPR, Using simulations we have verified the validity of the two methods. We also discuss the limitations of the two methods in the paper. Our work should serve as important basis for research of dielectric properties of the lunar subsurface based on LPR data.