SMART-1 after lunar capture: First results and perspectives

Bernard H. Foing*, G. D. Racca, A. Marini, E. Evrard, L. Stagnaro, M. Almeida, D. Koschny, D. Frew, J. Zender, D. Heather, M. Grande, J. Huovelin, H. U. Keller, A. Nathues, J. L. Josset, A. Malkki, W. Schmidt, G. Noci, R. Birkl, L. IessZ. Sodnik, P. McManamon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

SMART-1 is a technology demonstration mission for deep space solar electrical propulsion and technologies for the future. SMART-1 is Europe's first lunar mission and will contribute to developing an international program of lunar exploration. The spacecraft was launched on 27th September 2003, as an auxiliary passenger to GTO on Ariane 5, to reach the Moon after a 15-month cruise, with lunar capture on 15th November 2004, just a week before the International Lunar Conference in Udaipur. SMART-1 carries seven experiments, including three remote sensing instruments used during the mission's nominal six months and one year extension in lunar science orbit. These instruments will contribute to key planetary scientific questions, related to theories of lunar origin and evolution, the global and local crustal composition, the search for cold traps at the lunar poles and the mapping of potential lunar resources.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)689-697
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Earth System Science
Volume114
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2005

Keywords

  • Imaging payloads
  • Mineralogy
  • Planetary exploration technology
  • SMART-1
  • Surface composition

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