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dc.contributor.author | Munghemezulu, Cilence![]() |
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dc.contributor.author | Combrinck, Ludwig![]() |
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dc.contributor.author | Botai, Joel Ongego![]() |
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dc.date.accessioned | 2016-05-26T12:18:29Z | |
dc.date.available | 2016-05-26T12:18:29Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2016-03 | |
dc.description.abstract | The lunar laser ranging (LLR) technique is based on the two-way time-of-flight of laser pulses from an earth station to the retroreflectors that are located on the surface of the moon. We discuss the ranging technique and contribution of the timing systems and its significance in light of the new LLR station currently under development by the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). Firstly, developing the LLR station at HartRAO is an initiative that will improve the current geometrical network of the LLR stations which are presently concentrated in the northern hemisphere. Secondly, data products derived from the LLR experiments – such as accurate lunar orbit, tests of the general relativity theory, earth–moon dynamics, interior structure of the moon, reference frames, and station position and velocities – are important in better understanding the earth–moon system. We highlight factors affecting the measured range such as the effect of earth tides on station position and delays induced by timing systems, as these must be taken into account during the development of the LLR analysis software. HartRAO is collocated with other fundamental space geodetic techniques which makes it a true fiducial geodetic site in the southern hemisphere and a central point for further development of space-based techniques in Africa. Furthermore, the new LLR will complement the existing techniques by providing new niche areas of research both in Africa and internationally. | en_ZA |
dc.description.department | Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology | en_ZA |
dc.description.librarian | am2016 | en_ZA |
dc.description.sponsorship | The National Research Foundation (NRF), the Department of Science and Technology and Inkaba yeAfrica. | en_ZA |
dc.description.uri | http://www.sajs.co.za | en_ZA |
dc.identifier.citation | Munghemezulu C, Combrinck L, Botai JO. A review of the lunar laser ranging technique and contribution of timing systems. South African Journal of Science. 2016; 112(3/4), Art. #2015-0400, 9 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.17159/sajs.2016/20150400. | en_ZA |
dc.identifier.issn | 0038-2353 (print) | |
dc.identifier.issn | 1996-7489 (online) | |
dc.identifier.other | 10.17159/sajs.2016/20150400 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/52766 | |
dc.language.iso | en | en_ZA |
dc.publisher | AOSIS OpenJournals | en_ZA |
dc.rights | © 2016. The Author(s). Published under a Creative Commons Attribution Licence. | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Space geodetic techniques | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Earth–moon system | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Retroreflectors | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Lunar laser ranging (LLR) | en_ZA |
dc.subject | Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) | en_ZA |
dc.title | A review of the lunar laser ranging technique and contribution of timing systems | en_ZA |
dc.type | Article | en_ZA |