15 September 2007
Credit: NASA/NSSDC
On 14 September 2007, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the SELENE (SELenological ENgineering Explorer) mission toward the Moon. SELENE, also known as Kaguya, will study the Moon from a lunar orbit for over a year.
The primary objectives of the mission include a global survey of the Moon, obtaining data on elemental abundance, mineral composition, surface features, geology, gravity, and to develop crucial technologies for future lunar exploration, such as lunar polar orbit injection.
Kaguya is the name of a princess that flew to the Moon in an ancient Japanese folktale. This name was chosen through a public poll. In Greek mythology, Selene was a lunar deity.
The mission consists of three spacecrafts; an orbiter containing most of the scientific equipment, and two small companion vehicles, known respectively as Relay Satellite and the VRAD Satellite. Kaguya will orbit the Moon in a circular orbit at an altitude of about 100 km, passing over the lunar poles. Each of the smaller satellites will follow different paths to observe the Moon.
Kaguya is one of the most sophisticated missions ever launched toward the Moon. It is expected to provide data that will be important for future lunar colonies.
Further Reading
Kaguya Website
http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem
Senior Astronomy Specialist