CDDIS Request for a new GCMD Instrument: Retroreflector Array

Use this Forum to find information on, or ask a question about, NASA Earth Science data.
Post Reply
sritz
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Jan 17, 2025 10:01 am America/New_York
Answers: 0

CDDIS Request for a new GCMD Instrument: Retroreflector Array

by sritz » Mon Sep 14, 2026 2:20 pm America/New_York

CDDIS Request for a new GCMD Instrument: Retroreflector Array

ShortName: Retroreflector Array
LongName: Retroreflector Array

Hierarchy:
Instruments
Earth Remote Sensing Instruments
Passive Remote Sensing
Positioning/Navigation
Laser Ranging

Description: Laser retroreflector arrays make it possible to do laser ranging – using small bursts of laser light to detect distances between objects. Pulses of laser light from a ground station are directed toward an orbiting satellite, which then reflect off the array and return to the station. The time it takes for the light to travel from the ground to the satellite and back again can be used to calculate the distance between the satellite and the ground.

Reference:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/goddard/nasa-laser-reflecting-instruments-to-help-pinpoint-earth-measurements/

John A. Degnan, A Tutorial on Retroreflectors
and Arrays for SLR, ILRS Workshop, Frasca2, Italy, 2012, https://ilrs.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/2012/degnan_retrotutorialppt_121105.pdf

Filters:

GCMD - tstevens
User Services
User Services
Posts: 630
Joined: Tue Dec 03, 2019 3:26 pm America/New_York
Answers: 0
Endorsed: 12 times

Re: CDDIS Request for a new GCMD Instrument: Retroreflector Array

by GCMD - tstevens » Tue Sep 15, 2026 8:17 am America/New_York

Thank you for your keyword request. We will review it and let you know when it is complete.

GCMD - tstevens
User Services
User Services
Posts: 630
Joined: Tue Dec 03, 2019 3:26 pm America/New_York
Answers: 0
Endorsed: 12 times

Re: CDDIS Request for a new GCMD Instrument: Retroreflector Array

by GCMD - tstevens » Fri Sep 18, 2026 9:21 am America/New_York

@sritz The new Instrument keyword has been added; please review:

Retroreflector Array > Retroreflector Array: https://cmr.earthdata.nasa.gov/kms/concept/bb230efa-824c-489b-a4e3-a35e782724bd?format=json&version=draft

sritz
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Jan 17, 2025 10:01 am America/New_York
Answers: 0

Re: CDDIS Request for a new GCMD Instrument: Retroreflector Array

by sritz » Fri Sep 18, 2026 10:34 am America/New_York

Looks good. Thanks.

Post Reply