[Laser] Lunar downlink

[Andrew T. Flowers, K0SM]

Putting a laser on the surface of the moon and pointing back at a target 
on earth is no trivial task.  Many people forget that although the moon 
generally has one side facing earth, it wobbles around 
considerably--this is what causes libration fading for those of you who 
are familiar with EME.  If you wanted to put a laser up there and point 
it back toward earth you would have to compensate for this complex 
wobbling.

Andy K0SM/2


TWOSIG at aol.com wrote:

>I read with interest the comments by Charles Pooley, KD6HKU.
> 
>This may be too soon to suggest, but I am interested in knowing what sort  of 
>a system would be needed for an optical downlink from the Moon to be received 
> at night by amateur astronomers on Earth, perhaps with the use of a six or  
>eight inch Newtonian telescope, sensor and electronics to be purchased and 
>built  by moderately skilled HAM radio operator.  Downlink modes to include at  
>least: MCW 5 words per minute which should also be read as flashing light by  
>eyeball, audio tone PSK-31, communication quality voice, and pictures.   Beam 
>to be at least 1mR ( I think that means 240 miles at the Earth. ) and can  
>track a single city for at least three hours.  Other operating modes, data  rates 
>and daylight viewablity desirable.
> 
>That would seem to be a package worth building and getting to the  Moon.  
>Seeing and receiving messages from space can surely inspire millions  of people 
>world wide to learn about science and technology.  I can only  hope that it 
>will help us all to care more our home planet, all of its peoples,  and its 
>diverse forms of life.
> 
> 
>Best Wishes
> 
>James
>N5GUI
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