SELENE

NSSDC ID: Not Available

Description:
Selene 1 will carry 13 instruments including imagers, a radar
sounder, laser altimeter, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and
gamma-ray spectrometer to study the origin, evolution, and
tectonics of the Moon from orbit. The 2000 kg launch-mass
spacecraft will be carried by an H-2A rocket from the Tanega-
shima Space Center. Selene will take 5 days to reach the
Moon, ejecting a data relay satellite before reaching orbit.
The relay satellite will be in an elliptical orbit, 2400 km from
the surface at its furthest point. It will act as a relay for
communications between the orbiter and Earth and will be
used to measure the Moon's gravitational field. The orbiter
will undergo maneuvers to place it into a 100 km circular lunar
orbit for one year of remote surface observations. Following this
the 450 kg propulsion module of the orbiter will be released
to touch down on the lunar surface at approximately 3 m/s.
If it survives the impact it will transmit information on the lunar
environment. 

Launch Information:
Launch Period: 2003

Orbital Information:
No orbital information is available. 

Discipline(s)
Planetary Science 

Sponsoring Agencies/Countries
ISAS, NASDA /Japan