Hackaday · Creativity & design

LAGEOS-1: The Passive Satellite Reflecting Earth's Changes

Launched in 1976, LAGEOS-1 is a unique, passive satellite designed for precise Earth measurement.

Weighing nearly 407 kg and resembling a disco ball, LAGEOS-1 has no onboard electronics or propulsion. Its surface is covered with retroreflectors that bounce laser light directly back to its source.

By measuring the time it takes for laser pulses to return from LAGEOS-1, scientists can precisely track changes in the Earth's surface and rotation. Its stable orbit minimizes disturbances.

Data from LAGEOS-1 and its successor, LAGEOS-2, has been crucial for geodynamics and testing general relativity. The satellite is expected to remain in orbit for millions of years.

LAGEOS-1 also carries a message for the future, prepared by Dr. Carl Sagan.

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