A Persistent Residual Signal in Lunar Orbital Data: Testing a CND Geometric Prediction with Public Multi-Mission Tracking Data

We test a geometric prediction derived from the Constraint Network Dynamics (CND) framework—that counter-propagating energy fluxes generate localized constraint compression fields—which yields four specific, testable geometric constraints: systematic radial acceleration residuals should appear in a specific spatial-angular-phase window (1–5 lunar radii, 10–45 degree Sun–Earth angle, full moon period, symmetric on both sides of the Moon). Using publicly available precision orbit determination data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the ARTEMIS probes, and published Chang'e series VLBI residual statistics, we identify a persistent residual signal within this predefined window. The measured peak radial perturbation amplitude is 3.2 +/- 0.8 mm/s^2. Standard lunar gravity models and classical perturbative forces, assessed component by component with quantitative magnitude comparisons, do not appear to fully account for this signal, though a complete quantitative error budget remains to be performed. We do not claim definitive detection of a new force field. Given the limitations of the available data—including the reliance on published statistical summaries rather than raw tracking data for the Chang'e missions—we identify this signal as a testable target for future lunar missions equipped with dedicated instrumentation. A quantitative comparison of known physical mechanisms with the observed signal is provided in Table 1 (Section 6.6). Four operationally independent falsification conditions are specified. All data used in this study are publicly accessible, and the analysis methods are fully documented to enable independent verification or falsification.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-07-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21633709
Primary Topic
Planetary Science and Exploration
Type
preprint
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preprint

A Persistent Residual Signal in Lunar Orbital Data: Testing a CND Geometric Prediction with Public Multi-Mission Tracking Data

Menggang Yu
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Planetary Science and Exploration
preprint

A Persistent Residual Signal in Lunar Orbital Data: Testing a CND Geometric Prediction with Public Multi-Mission Tracking Data

Menggang Yu
preprint en

Abstract

We test a geometric prediction derived from the Constraint Network Dynamics (CND) framework—that counter-propagating energy fluxes generate localized constraint compression fields—which yields four specific, testable geometric constraints: systematic radial acceleration residuals should appear in a specific spatial-angular-phase window (1–5 lunar radii, 10–45 degree Sun–Earth angle, full moon period, symmetric on both sides of the Moon). Using publicly available precision orbit determination data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the ARTEMIS probes, and published Chang'e series VLBI residual statistics, we identify a persistent residual signal within this predefined window. The measured peak radial perturbation amplitude is 3.2 +/- 0.8 mm/s^2. Standard lunar gravity models and classical perturbative forces, assessed component by component with quantitative magnitude comparisons, do not appear to fully account for this signal, though a complete quantitative error budget remains to be performed. We do not claim definitive detection of a new force field. Given the limitations of the available data—including the reliance on published statistical summaries rather than raw tracking data for the Chang'e missions—we identify this signal as a testable target for future lunar missions equipped with dedicated instrumentation. A quantitative comparison of known physical mechanisms with the observed signal is provided in Table 1 (Section 6.6). Four operationally independent falsification conditions are specified. All data used in this study are publicly accessible, and the analysis methods are fully documented to enable independent verification or falsification.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
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Planetary Science and Exploration
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