NASA LRO laser device successfully "pinged" Indian lunar lander

 NASA LRO laser device successfully "pinged" Indian lunar lander

On December 12, 2023, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Indian lunar lander Vikram successfully fired and reflected a laser beam. This is the first time such a feat has been accomplished on the moon.

The laser device on the LRO is called the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). This is a powerful laser that can be used to measure the distance between a spacecraft and the lunar surface. In this case, LOLA was used to measure the distance between LRO and Vikram, which is approximately 100 kilometers apart.

The laser beam is transmitted from the LRO to the Vikram and then reflected back to the LRO. The time it takes for the beam to travel from the LRO to Vikram and back is used to calculate the distance between the two spacecraft.

The successful transmission of the laser beam is a significant accomplishment for both the NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It demonstrates the potential for laser communication between celestial bodies in lunar orbit and on the lunar surface.

This success has multiple implications for the future of space exploration. It would allow for an increase in the accuracy of navigation and communication between celestial bodies in lunar space. This would also be possible to use it to transfer data from space vehicles on the lunar surface to the Earth.

Additionally, the successful transmission of the laser beam is a reflection of the partnership between NASA and ISRO. Both organizations have a shared interest in promoting space exploration, this goal is an indication of their collective goal.

Main points

• NASA's LRO successfully transmitted and reflected a laser light with the Indian satellite's lander, Vikram.

• This is the first time that a lunar accomplishishment has been made.

• The successful transmission of the laser beam has multiple potential consequences for future space exploration.

• It would allow for an increase in the accuracy of navigation and communication between celestial bodies in lunar space.

• This would also be possible to use it to transfer data from space vehicles on the lunar surface to the Earth.