NASA Probe Reaches the Moon

June 24, 2009

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter fired its braking rockets early today to slip into lunar orbit, marking the start of a two-month commissioning period. A few more adjustments will be made to LRO's orbit in the coming weeks while scientists calibrate its instruments and get ready for a year-long mapping mission. 

Meanwhile, a companion spacecraft launched with LRO swung around moon for an instrument checkout. The LCROSS satellite, which is still attached to the launch vehicle's now-spent upper-stage motor, is in a long, looping orbit that circles around Earth's poles and the moon. Each orbit takes about 37 days to complete. 

The spacecraft is basically in a holding pattern until Oct. 9, when it will release the rocket motor on a path that will crash it into a crater near the moon's south poleLCROSS won't be far behind. The idea is for scientists to use LCROSS' sensors to study the plume of material excavated by the impact for signs of water. You can watch a video of the LCROSS flyby here:

(Credit : NASA) 

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[Endang Suhendar]

I like space and I want to go to the space even be object of research. I am Indonesian, 35, journalist. There is no fear to see the material space directly. Maybe NASA take me out from the earth. It is something nice if I could step my feet in the moon surface.