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The Laser Ranging Retroreflector is a device that reflects light so that the paths of the reflected rays are parallel to those of the original rays. Instruments placed on the lunar surface were used in experiments to reflect laser light back to Earth. The reflected light was used to provide precise measurements of the distance between the Earth and the Moon.

This particular laser ranging retroreflector mock-up was used by the Apollo 14 astronauts for training and NASA transferred it to the Smithsonian in 1972.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Scientific Devices Manufacturer Bendix Corp.
 Dimensions 3-D: 69.2 × 63.5 × 38.1cm, 37.6kg (2 ft. 3 1/4 in. × 2 ft. 1 in. × 1 ft. 3 in., 83lb.)
 Materials Aluminum Alloy
Mylar
Copper Alloy
Ferrous Alloy
Natural Fiber Thread
Fiberglass
Adhesive Tape
Plastic
Velcro
Paint
 Inventory Number A19721349000 Credit Line Transferred from the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.