Laser Geodynamics Satellite (LAGEOS) I. This satellite is an aluminium-covered brass sphere with a diameter of 60 centimetres and is covered with retro-reflectors (circles). It carries no instruments,instead being a very low orbiting target for lasers fired from Earth ground stations. The time it takes for the laser beams to be reflected back to Earth allow a number of measurements to be made,including the planet's shape and the movement of tectonic plates associated with continental drift. LAGEOS 1 was launched on 4th May 1976 | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / NASA |
Taille de l’image : | 2620 px × 3335 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |