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A Random-displacement Measurement by Combining a Magnetic Scale and Two Fiber Bragg Gratings

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Laser Transit-Time Measurements between the Earth and the Moon with a Transportable System.

C G Lehr, S J Criswell, J P Ouellette

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|June 1, 1973

Summary

Scientists measured laser pulse transit times from Earth to the Apollo 15 retroreflector on the Moon. This experiment utilized a high-radiance, pulsed laser system for precise lunar distance calculations.

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Area of Science:

Astronomy
Geophysics
Laser Physics

Background:

Precise measurement of Earth-Moon distances is crucial for various scientific disciplines.
Retroreflectors left on the Moon provide stable targets for laser ranging.

Purpose of the Study:

To measure the round-trip transit time of laser pulses to the Apollo 15 retroreflector.
To demonstrate the capability of a transportable pulsed laser system for lunar ranging.

Main Methods:

A high-radiance, pulsed laser system with a transportable transmitting unit was employed.
25-nanosecond, 10-joule, 530-nanometer laser pulses were transmitted from Earth to the Moon.
The time of flight for pulses returning from the Apollo 15 retroreflector was recorded.

Main Results:

Successful measurement of laser pulse transit times between Earth and the lunar retroreflector.
Data collected provides insights into Earth-Moon distance and relativistic effects.

Conclusions:

The study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using a transportable laser system for lunar ranging.
Accurate measurements contribute to fundamental physics and geodetic studies.