Hum Posted November 15, 2007 Share Posted November 15, 2007 A series of high-definition images shows the Earth setting beyond the lunar horizon, from Japan's newest lunar probe: http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071107_...ya_movie_e.html Video of Earth-set @ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ more pics Japanese officials claim the $279 million Selenological and Engineering Explorer ? or SELENE ? is the largest lunar mission since the U.S. Apollo program in terms of overall scope and ambition, outpacing the former Soviet Union's Luna program and NASA's Clementine and Lunar Prospector projects. The mission involves placing the main satellite ? called "Kaguya,'' after a legendary moon princess ? in a circular orbit at an altitude of about 60 miles and deploying two smaller satellites in elliptical orbits, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA. Researchers will use data gathered by the probes to study the moon's origin and evolution. Takizawa said it will begin its observation phase in mid- to late-December. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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