The instrument, developed by University of Maryland researchers, is designed to reflect short laser pulses from observatories on Earth. By timing the return of light from Apollo-era reflectors, scientists have measured the Moon's distance and shape. NASA says the new instrument could improve on those results with range measurements precise to less than a millimeter. [S1]
The Next Generation Lunar Retroreflector, or NGLR-1, is one of 10 NASA payloads scheduled for the next Commercial Lunar Payload Services delivery, aboard Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost 1 lander. NASA says the program invests in commercial lunar delivery to support long-term exploration and industry growth; the agency aims eventually to be one of many customers on future flights. [S1]
For researchers, NASA says more precise measurements could help investigate the Moon's interior, including shifts in its liquid core that may cause surface seismic activity. A second reflector is a candidate for Artemis III near the lunar south pole, while a third is expected on a future commercial delivery to a non-polar location. [S1]
Source documents
- NASA Anticipates Lunar Findings From Next-Generation Retroreflectorhttps://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/clps/nasa-anticipates-lunar-findings-from-next-generation-retroreflector/