Probing Fundamental Gravity via Lunar Laser Ranging

APOLLO（Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation，阿帕奇点天文台月球激光测距操作）是下一代激光测距设备，能够获得毫米精度的月球范围。依靠阿波罗宇航员放置在月球表面的仍在运行的后向反射器阵列，APOLLO构成了一个动态清洁轨道实验室的地面链路。APOLLO将通过在大型望远镜上应用先进的激光和探测器技术，通过在现场结合精密重力测量，毫米精度GPS定位和气象阵列，并通过在观测和数据分析工作之间形成紧密的接口。预计阿波罗计划在测距精度方面的巨大改进，将以类似的因素提高月球测距的科学能力，以确定月球的一些定性方面，引力的基本性质在月球测距目前导致的测试中，有等效原理的测试，引力常数的时间变化，大地岁差，重力磁效应，以及可能存在的长距离力。 通过对重力性质的全面调查，月球测距解决了一个问题：广义相对论正确吗？ 技术，雄心勃勃的目标，以及与我们非凡的太空探索历史的联系，使APOLLO特别吸引公众，呈现出出色的推广潜力。APOLLO团队致力于与其直接社区和其他社区分享这个项目的兴奋。

APOLLO (Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation) is a next-generation laser-ranging apparatus capable of obtaining lunar ranges with millimeter accuracy. Relying on the still-operational retroreflector arrays placed on the lunar surface by Apollo astronauts, APOLLOconstitutes the ground-link of a dynamically clean orbital laboratory. APOLLO will bring new life to lunar ranging by applying advanced laser and detector technology on a large telescope, by incorporating precision gravimetry, millimeter-accuracy GPS positioning, and a meteorologicalarray on the site, and by forming a tight interface between the observation and data analysis efforts.The order-of-magnitude improvement in range precision expected from APOLLO will advance by a similar factor the scientific power of lunar ranging to determine a number of qualitative aspects of the fundamental properties of gravity. Among the tests that lunar ranging currently leads are tests of the equivalence principle, time variation of the gravitational constant, geodetic precession, gravitomagnetic effects, and the possible presence of long-range forces. Through its comprehensive investigation of the nature of gravity, lunar ranging addresses the question: is general relativity correct? The technique, ambitious goals, and connection to our remarkable history of space exploration make APOLLO especially appealing to the public, presenting excellent outreach potential. The APOLLO team is committed to sharing the excitement of this project with its immediate community and beyond.