In recent days, a breakthrough in space research occurred as the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) conducted a historic experiment by using a laser beam to target the Vikram lander on the surface of the Moon. This extraordinary attempt opens the door to a new type of precise object localization on the lunar sphere.
On December 12, 2023, the LRO directed its laser altimeter towards Vikram, located several kilometers below on the lunar surface. The laser beam reflected off a small retroreflector installed aboard the lander and returned to the spacecraft. This highly successful experiment confirms the possibility of object localization on the Moon using a laser beam.
The Laser Retroreflector Array, a small and versatile device, was embedded on Vikram. Developed by NASA in collaboration with ISRO, this precise marker requires no power or maintenance, making it capable of lasting for decades. Its configuration enables the reflection of light back to the source, regardless of the direction from which the light falls upon it.
Researchers from the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who developed the retroreflector, are already planning further improvements to this technology. Small retroreflectors have immense potential in space science and exploration. They can be utilized as precise markers on the International Space Station or assist spacecraft in landing on the Moon’s surface. The new possibilities offered by small retroreflectors are incredibly promising for future space missions.
This historic event also raises questions about the future of space navigation on the Moon. The LRO is the only spacecraft in lunar orbit equipped with a laser altimeter. Therefore, further research and advancements in this technology are needed to make it a routine practice in future lunar missions. One thing is certain – the LRO and Vikram have contributed to the development of space research and opened new perspectives for understanding the Moon.
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