Lunar laser ranging experiments measure an outward movement of about 3.8 cm per year. Tidal interactions transfer angular momentum from Earth to Moon. Over billions of years, this has lengthened days and increased distance. This process affects Earth-Moon system stability. It will continue for billions of years, slightly altering gravitational balance. Ancient Earth-Moon models account for this recession. Understanding drift informs long-term celestial mechanics.
It matters for orbital modeling and understanding tidal evolution.
It also impacts predictions for future lunar exploration and gravitational interactions.
Over a billion years, the Moon could be tens of thousands of kilometers farther away.
NASA [nasa.gov]