NASA's Lunar Orbiter Tests New Laser Tracking Method on Moon

The groundbreaking technique, tested on ISRO's Vikram lander, paves the way for improved tracking of objects on other planets.

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) successfully tested a new method of tracking objects on the lunar surface using a laser ping.
The test involved pointing the laser altimeter instrument on the LRO towards a small device on the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) Vikram lander, part of India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The laser ping system is seen as a groundbreaking way to keep track of objects on other planets, with plans to improve the technique for routine use in future missions.
The technique involves sending a laser pulse towards the object and measuring how long it takes the light from the pulse to reflect back.
Several NASA retroreflectors, which are used in this technique, are slated to fly aboard public and private moon landers in the near future.