List of retroreflectors on the Moon

The locations of lunar retroreflectors left by Apollo (A) and Lunokhod (L) missions.

This is a list of retroreflectors on the Moon. There are currently 5 different sites with reflectors.[1] Lunar reflectors have enabled cutting edge measurements of the Earth-Moon distance for four decades.[2]

Reflectors placed by the United States

Name Mission Date Location
Lunar Ranging Retro Reflector (LRRR)[1] Apollo 11 21 July 1969[3] —
LRRR[1] Apollo 14 31 January 1971[4] 3.6453° S

17.471361° W [4]

LRRR[1] Apollo 15 31 July 1971[5] 26.1°N

3.6°E[5]

Reflectors placed by the Soviet Union

Name Mission Location
Lunokhod 1[1][lower-alpha 1] Luna 17 38.17° N, 325.06° W[6]
Lunokhod 2[1][lower-alpha 1] Luna 21 25.85° N, 30.45° E

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 This retroreflector was a rover.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lunar Retroreflectors
  2. ↑ Slava G. Turyshev - From Quantum to Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research in Space (2009) - Page 300
  3. ↑ "What Neil & Buzz Left on the Moon: A cutting-edge science experiment left behind in the Sea of Tranquility by Apollo 11 astronauts is still running today.". National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 20 July 2004. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  4. 1 2 "APOLLO 14: The Eighth Mission: The Third Lunar Landing: 31 January–09 February 1971". National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Archived from the original on 14 November 2004. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
  5. 1 2 Archinal, Brent (13 April 2010). "The Apollo 15 Lunar Laser Ranging Retroreflector - A Fundamental Point on the Moon!". Arizona State University. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  6. ↑ "LROC Observation M114185541R". Arizona State University. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
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