An experimental module attached to Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Moon lander successfully used Earth’s orbiting satnav systems, demonstrating that dedicated lunar positioning systems may not be needed for future Moon missions. The Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE) module picked up signals from both the US Global Positioning System (GPS) and the EU’s Galileo constellations on its way to the Moon and during its stay on the lunar surface.
The feat suggests that using Terran satellite-navigation signals designed for earthly roaming can also work on the Moon. This is good news, as there are several global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) orbiting Earth, including China, India, and Russia. LuGRE acquired a navigational fix on the lunar surface 225,000 miles from Earth, setting a new record for the most distant GPS fix.
The successful use of GNSS signals in lunar navigation could reduce reliance on human operators and enable more automation on future Lunar missions. The experiment also demonstrated that spacecraft can acquire and track GNSS signals at the Moon, paving the way for future exploration. NASA engineers will continue to test LuGRE’s capabilities during the 14-day mission, with plans to study Earth’s magnetosphere and probe the Moon’s interior heat flow.
The Blue Ghost lander carried nine other scientific payloads, including an Electrodynamic Dust Shield, a Lunar PlanetVac, and an experimental Radiation Tolerant Computer. The mission will provide valuable insights into lunar navigation, space weather, and the Moon’s interior heat flow.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/06/blue_ghost_lugre_module_acquires