Sunday, June 7, 2009

Two for one Moon shot...

will tentatively launch on 17 June from Cape Canaveral, Florida. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) are to launch together atop an Atlas V rocket:

"LRO's objectives during its mission orbiting the moon are to identify safe landing sites, locate potential resources, characterize the radiation environment, and demonstrate new technology. LRO will orbit the poles of the Moon during a one-year exploration mission followed by a planned multi-year science mission.

Approximately four to five months after launch, LCROSS will impact the Moon, providing key information about the lunar composition and presence of water ice or hydrated minerals."

That last bit should be exciting, and here's more about the Moon for inquiring minds.

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