Lunar reference frame: realization, development and future perspectives

doi:10.16708/j.cnki.1000-758X.2026.0082

Chinese Space Science and Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (5): 1-15.doi: 10.16708/j.cnki.1000-758X.2026.0082

Lunar reference frame: realization, development and future perspectives

HUANG Yong^1,2,3,4,*，ZHENG Jinjun⁵，QU Weijing^1,2，CHANG Xinuo⁵，GENG Renfang^1,2

1.Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
2.University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
3.Shanghai Key Laboratory of Space Navigation and Positioning Techniques, Shanghai 200030, China
4.Key Laboratory of Planetary Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
5.Institute of Telecommunication and Navigation Satellites, China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing 100098,
China

Received:2026-05-08 Revision received:2026-06-23 Accepted:2026-07-10 Online:2026-09-23 Published:2026-09-30

Abstract

Abstract: The lunar reference frame provides a fundamental infrastructure for high-precision lunar navigation, mapping, and scientific exploration. This paper presents a systematic review of its definition, realization, maintenance, and future development. Firstly, the fundamental concepts of the lunar reference frame are introduced, with a clear distinction between the lunar reference system and the lunar reference frame. Particular emphasis is placed on the two principal realizations currently adopted for lunar geodetic applications, namely the principal axes (PA) frame and the mean Earth/rotation axis (ME) frame, including their defining principles and transformation relationships. Secondly, the techniques used for the maintenance and refinement of the lunar reference frame are reviewed, including lunar laser ranging (LLR), very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), and photogrammetry. Finally, the contribution of the Earth-Moon navigation system to the establishment of the lunar reference frame is discussed. As a key infrastructure for cislunar space activities, such a navigation system provides essential technical support for the realization and long-term maintenance of the lunar reference frame. Future development is expected to focus on enhancing high-precision observation capabilities, improving multi-source data fusion, accelerating standardization, and strengthening international collaboration, thereby advancing the international lunar reference frame as a unified spatiotemporal reference for future lunar exploration.

Key words: unar reference frame, lunar laser ranging, very long baseline interferometry, global navigation satellite system, Earth-Moon navigation system

HUANG Yong, ZHENG Jinjun, QU Weijing, CHANG Xinuo, GENG Renfang. Lunar reference frame: realization, development and future perspectives[J]. Chinese Space Science and Technology, 2026, 46(5): 1-15.

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Lunar reference frame: realization, development and future perspectives

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