Ground-based lasers can successfully range the Moon using retroreflectors left by Apollo missions.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 82/100
Multiple scientific studies confirm that ground-based laser stations successfully range the Moon using retroreflector arrays left by the Apollo missions, a technique utilized for decades to test general relativity and measure the Earth-Moon system.
Evidence for · 5
Thermo-optical simulation and experiment for the assessment of single, hollow, and large aperture retroreflector for lunar laser ranging
2016 · cited by 15
Paper [1] discusses optimizing retroreflectors to improve upon Apollo lunar laser ranging.
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More for · 4
Development of a 170-mm hollow corner cube retroreflector for the future lunar laser ranging
2018 · cited by 8
Paper [3] notes that lunar laser ranging has relied on Apollo retroreflector arrays for decades.
Tests of Gravity Using Lunar Laser Ranging.
2010 · cited by 7
Paper [4] confirms that ground-based stations routinely perform lunar laser ranging using retroreflectors left by Apollo missions.
MoonLIGHT and MPAc: The European Space Agency’s Next-Generation Lunar Laser Retroreflector for NASA’s CLPS/PRISM1A (CP-11) Mission
2025 · cited by 6
Paper [5] details how lunar laser ranging has successfully used Apollo retroreflector arrays since 1969.
MOONLIGHT: A NEW LUNAR LASER RANGING RETROREFLECTOR AND THE LUNAR GEODETIC PRECESSION
2013 · cited by 3
Paper [10] states that lunar laser ranging to Apollo retroreflector arrays has provided major tests of general relativity since the 1970s.