Laser retro-reflector, Apollo 11 experiment, 1969.

This shows the laser retro-reflector during testing on Earth. The apparatus was used for lunar experiments during the Apollo 11 lunar landing mision. Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mision carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin, was launched on 16th July 1969. Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon on 20th July 1969, followed shortly afterwards by Aldrin. Collins, the Command Module pilot, remained in lunar orbit while Armstrong and Aldrin were on the surface.