Foundation requirements for a lunar laser ranger facility at matjiesfontein, South Africa
Date
2011
Authors
Croukamp L.
Rossouw J.J.
Fourie C.J.S.
Combrinck L.
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Abstract
This paper addresses foundation requirements to construct a new Geodetic/Geophysical Observatory at approximately five kilometers south of Matjiesfontein, in the southwestern Karoo. The observatory will host a Lunar Laser Ranger, Satellite Laser Ranger, and other collocated geophysical instruments, such as seismic and gravimeter stations, to be located in a specially designed vault. Field and laboratory tests and surveys show that the site is stable and capable of supporting the 5 ton weight of the Lunar Laser Ranger (LLR) structure that includes a one meter diameter optical telescope and mount to conduct laser-ranging experiments. The foundation requirements for auxiliary buildings and calibrating beacons required for the instrument and the envisaged experiments wt re also included in this study. © 2011 December Geological Society of South Africa.
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South African Journal of Geology
114
04-Mar
573
576
114
04-Mar
573
576