This work examines the potential of a lunar surface station to support high-precision scientific investigations in the context of future lunar exploration initiatives by space agencies.

In this context, we have performed an extensive set of simulations considering Delta-Differential One-Way Ranging (ΔDOR) observations by means of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR), and Direct-to-Earth (DTE) range measurements under different assumptions and scenarios. Two complementary analysis approaches have been carried out in parallel.

The first approach is a covariance analysis based on a semi-analytical dynamical model (i.e., epicyclic approximation equations) including the fundamental physics parameters usually estimated by LLR, such as equivalence principle violation, time variation of the gravitational constant (G-dot), Yukawa-type interactions, parametrized post-Newtonian parameters  beta and gamma, as well as the Moon’s barycenter state vector and librations.

The second approach relies on numerical simulations performed with the GODOT software suite, providing a numerical reference solution for lander position accuracies. Both methods were used to derive expected lander position reconstruction accuracies. For comparable scenarios, the two approaches yield consistent results in terms of order of magnitude.

A key outcome is that, when lunar librations are not included among the estimated parameters, the combined use of DTE two-way range, ΔDOR, and LLR observations over a 30-day interval enables lander position determination with an accuracy better than 10 centimeters.

In addition to the short-term assessment of positioning accuracy (approximately one month of simulated observations), long-term simulations were also performed to forecast the improvement provided by new observations on fundamental physics parameters, such as parametrized post-Newtonian parameters for testing general relativity and reference frame definitions. Preliminary results from long-term simulations over a five-year interval will also be presented.