Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Scientific paper
2007-12-20
Int.J.Mod.Phys.D16:2151-2164,2008
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
14 pages, 3 figures, To appear in the International Journal of Modern Physics D
Scientific paper
10.1142/S0218271807011565
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.
Dabney Philip W.
Livas Jeffrey C.
McGarry Jan F.
Merkowitz Stephen M.
Neumann Gregory A.
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