The function of the altimeter is to provide precise measurements of Apollo vehicle height above known positions on the lunar surface. A short duration light pulse from the laser is directed through a telescope in a narrow beam to the lunar surface. A portion of the light is reflected by the moon back to the altimeter where it is intercepted by a receiving telescope and relayed to a detector. The time from the moment when the light pulse leaves the laser until its return, which is measured with the aid of a quartz crystal controlled clock oscillator, is a measure for the altitude.


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    Title :

    Laser altimeter for Apollo lunar orbit.


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    NEREM 71; Northeast Electronics Research and Engineering Meeting ; 1971 ; Boston, MA


    Publication date :

    1971-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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