Lunokhod, silent for 40 years, sends a signal again

Lunokhod-1 has returned to the spotlight after losing contact in 1971. It was reported that an unexpected signal was detected from the Soviet apparatus left on the lunar surface. This was reported by SpaceDaily.

It is stated that Lunokhod-1 was delivered to the Moon in November 1970 as part of the Luna-17 mission. Although the device was initially planned to operate for a short time, it functioned for nearly a year, traveled about 10.5 kilometers on the lunar surface, and sent numerous photographs and scientific data back to Earth.

Contact with the device was completely lost in the autumn of 1971. Over time, scientists were unable to use the laser retroreflector installed on it, as the exact location of Lunokhod-1 remained unknown.

The situation changed in 2010. America's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter identified the device in detailed images of the lunar surface. Researchers then sent a laser pulse toward the Lunokhod and received a strong response signal.

Scientists noted that the laser retroreflector on the Soviet device proved even more efficient than that of Lunokhod-2. Initial measurements showed that the device returned approximately 2,000 photons, which is considered a result significantly higher than the previous record of 750 photons.

Experts believe that such laser measurements allow for high-precision calculation of the distance between the Earth and the Moon, as well as a deeper study of the Moon's movement and its internal structure.