Apollo: a New Push in Lunar Laser Ranging
Abstract
APOLLO (the Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation) is a new effort in lunar laser ranging that uses the Apollo-landed retroreflector arrays to perform tests of gravitational physics. It achieved its first range return in October 2005, and began its science campaign the following spring. The strong signal (> 2500 photons in a ten-minute period) translates to one-millimeter random range uncertainty, constituting at least an order-of-magnitude gain over previous stations. One-millimeter range precision will translate into order-of-magnitude gains in our ability to test the weak and strong equivalence principles, the time rate of change of Newton's gravitational constant, the phenomenon of gravitomagnetism, the inverse-square law, and the possible presence of extra dimensions. An outline of the APOLLO apparatus and its initial performance is presented, as well as a brief discussion on future space technologies that can extend our knowledge of gravity by orders of magnitude.
- Publication:
-
From Quantum to Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research in Space. Edited by TURYSHEV SLAVA G. Published by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd
- Pub Date:
- 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1142/9789814261210_0020
- Bibcode:
- 2009fqcf.book..255M