Information Obtainable from Laser Range Measurements to a Lunar Corner Reflector

Abstract

It has been proposed to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration that optical retro-reflector packages be placed on the lunar surface under either the Surveyor or Apollo Programs. Methods for measuring the range to the reflectors with an expected accuracy of 15 cm have been presented. The new technique is briefly discussed, and an analysis of the determination of geocentric longitude is given, indicating a potential uncertainty of 0·25 × 10−3s of time.