Within the scope of an experiment called LuGRE, NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) have managed to detect and use GPS signals from Earth on the Moon.

Accurate navigation is crucial for space missions. NASA and ASI have achieved a milestone in this field. During the Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE) conducted on March 3, it was proven that GPS signals used on Earth can also be utilized on the Moon.

Throughout the experiment, the LuGRE equipment successfully captured GPS signals from Earth after landing on the lunar surface. Detecting GPS signals on the Moon not only represents a significant advancement in navigation systems but also allows for the development of more precise and autonomous positioning methods for future lunar and Mars missions.

Until now, engineers have been tracking spacecrafts using specialized measurements based on embedded sensors and signals from Earth-based tracking stations. Thanks to LuGRE, it is stated that spacecraft can autonomously use GPS signals and operate with much less reliance on human operators.

Experts believe that space missions to the Moon and Mars will become much more efficient due to these developments. NASA officials are confident that spacecraft capable of moving more precisely and independently without Earth-based tracking are now possible.

The LuGRE equipment successfully received signals from GPS and Galileo satellites while on the lunar surface. The experiment demonstrated that signals from 362 thousand kilometers away could be corrected and effectively used. Additionally, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) altitude record was broken during this mission. When LuGRE reached the Moon’s orbit, it set a new record of 391 thousand kilometers for the highest altitude GNSS signal acquisition. The previous record was 338 thousand kilometers.