Jun 19
Lunar Orbiter on the Way to the Moon
Posted in: NASA, science, Space Tech, Today's Chili
The return to the moon is officially underway: NASA has launched its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to take a comprehensive survey of the moon, according to CNN. NASA officials described the launch as a “flawless” liftoff from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 5:32 p.m. ET yesterday.
The orbiter launched aboard an Atlas V Rocket powered by two liquid-fueled engines and a pair of solid-fueled boosters, the report said. The orbiter will collect data and send it back to Earth. Scientists here will then use the data in designing and building an eventual permanent lunar outpost on the moon’s surface.
Among the kinds of data the orbiter will send include day-night temperature maps, color imaging, UV reflection, and a study of areas of the moon that “may have continuous access to sunlight and where water may exist.” In addition, NASA is hoping the orbiter will help locate safe landing sites and moon resources, and uncover more data about how the moon’s radiation environment would affect humans in an extended stay, according to the article.
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