[SunkenCiv]

Thanks. The tidal transfer of momentum occurs in both directions; but the Moon is about one per cent the mass of the Earth, so it shows the same face to us as it orbits (and slowly turns on its axis). A satellite in prograde orbit (moving in orbit the same direction as the parent body turns on its axis) will enjoy a transfer of momentum and its altitude will increase. Even its own transfer of momentum to the parent body will do that. If there’s enough momentum to start with, the satellite will eventually fly off.

[djf]

I suppose it's possible that the apparent length of the month could get longer, even though the moon is moving a bit faster, in a higher orbit.

Maybe that what they mean.

[editor-surveyor]

"but the Moon is about one per cent the mass of the Earth"

The moon is about 15% of the mass of the earth.

[SunkenCiv]

http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2002/AdaLi.shtml

“The moon’s mass is about 0.012 times that of the Earth... The moon’s gravity is one-sixth that of the Earth.”