Laser Ranging for Gravitational, Lunar, and Planetary Science

Abstract

More precise lunar and Martian ranging will enable unprecedented tests of Einstein's theory of General Relativity and well as lunar and planetary science. NASA is currently planning several missions to return to the Moon, and it is natural to consider if precision laser ranging instruments should be included. New advanced retroreflector arrays at carefully chosen landing sites would have an immediate positive impact on lunar and gravitational studies. Laser transponders are currently being developed that may offer an advantage over passive ranging, and could be adapted for use on Mars and other distant objects. Precision ranging capability can also be combined with optical communications for an extremely versatile instrument. In this paper we discuss the science that can be gained by improved lunar and Martian ranging along with several technologies that can be used for this purpose.

14 pages, 3 figures, To appear in the International Journal of Modern Physics D

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Cited by in corpus (12)

• Phenomenology of the Lense-Thirring effect in the Solar System
• Experimental Tests of General Relativity: Recent Progress and Future Directions
• Lunar laser ranging in infrfared at hte Grasse laser station
• Space-based research in fundamental physics and quantum technologies
• Solar System motions and the cosmological constant: a new approach
• Classical tests in brane gravity
• Laser and Radio Tracking for Planetary Science Missions - A Comparison
• Effects of standard and modified gravity on interplanetary ranges
• Orbital effects of spatial variations of fundamental coupling constants
• LETSGO: A spacecraft-based mission to accurately measure the solar angular momentum with frame-dragging
• Gravitomagnetism and the Earth-Mercury range
• Orbital effects of a monochromatic plane gravitational wave with ultra-low frequency incident on a gravitationally bound two-body system