Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, Volume. 61, Issue 7, 0706018(2024)

Pointing Angle Calculation and Aiming Accuracy Analysis of a Lunar Laser Ranging Retro-Reflector

Wuqi Pan1,2,3、*, Zhien Cheng1、**, Zhongping Zhang1, and Xinhao Liao1,2
Author Affiliations
  • 1Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
  • 2School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
  • 3School of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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    Lunar laser ranging (LLR) has the highest precision in measuring the earth-moon distance. The lunar laser ranging retro-reflector (LRRR) is an essential piece of equipment for realizing lunar laser ranging. China has plans to deploy a manually emplaced new generation LRRR. For the LRRR to work effectively, the azimuth and altitude angle of the LRRR must be adjusted such that the LRRR is aligned with the mean Earth direction. We established a method for calculating the adjustment angle of the LRRR and analyzed the misalignment caused by the biases of emplacement time and emplacement site. Results show that the aiming of error of the LRRR can be estimated at approximately 2.7°, and the maximum value is less than 5.0°, which satisfies the requirements for an aiming accuracy of 5.5°. The calculation method and analysis presented in this study can act as guidelines for future China LRRR emplacement missions.

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    Wuqi Pan, Zhien Cheng, Zhongping Zhang, Xinhao Liao. Pointing Angle Calculation and Aiming Accuracy Analysis of a Lunar Laser Ranging Retro-Reflector[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2024, 61(7): 0706018

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    Paper Information

    Category: Fiber Optics and Optical Communications

    Received: Jan. 8, 2024

    Accepted: Mar. 7, 2024

    Published Online: Apr. 16, 2024

    The Author Email: Pan Wuqi (cze@shao.ac.cn), Cheng Zhien (panwuqi@shao.ac.cn)

    DOI:10.3788/LOP240465

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