Lunar phased laser rangefinder (LPLR) at Kislovodsk observatory

Gravity Frontiers supports a lunar phased laser rangefinder (LPLR) at the Kislovodsk mountain observatory of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute of Lomonosov Moscow State University (SAI MSU). Funding is 300 million rubles over three years. The instrument will enable high-precision laser ranging to the Moon and artificial satellites—important for gravity studies, geodynamics, and lunar navigation. The project is implemented with SAI MSU and continues Russia’s lunar laser-ranging tradition.