The Laser Ranging Retroreflector is a device that reflects light so that the paths of the reflected rays are parallel to those of the incident 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.

The Bendix Corporation donated this traning unit to the Museum in 1972.

Display Status

This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Destination Moon

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

EQUIPMENT-Lunar

Manufacturer

Bendix Aerospace Systems

Dimensions

3-D (Overall): 82.5 × 68.6 × 43.2cm (2 ft. 8 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 3 in. × 1 ft. 5 in.)

Materials

Glass
Aluminum Alloy
Copper Alloy
Synthetic Fiber Fabric (Beta Cloth)
Plastic
Ink
Paint
Velcro
Phenolic Resin
Ferrous Alloy
Adhesive Tape

Inventory Number

A19730063000

Credit Line

Transferred by the NASA.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.