Lunar Prospector [NASA]
Lunar Prospector [NASA] |
Lunar Prospector was a small spin stabilized lunar orbiter. Using its Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), it collected a large amount of scientific data that helps researchers understand the chemical composition of the lunar surface.
Some of the spacecraft's scientific instruments, also measured the Moon's magnetic and gravitational fields, enhancing our current understanding as well as potentially enabling future mission scientists to design more fuel-efficient journeys to the Moon. In addition, Prospector will carry a special instrument, called an Alpha Particle Spectrometer (APS), that will sniff out small quantities of gases that leak out from the lunar interior.
A Magnetometer (MAG) and the Doppler Gravity Experiment (DGE) complemented the scientific payload. After the end of its mission the spcecraft was crashed on the lunar surface.
Lunar Prospector carried also a small capsule by Celestis called Celestis-02 with the ashes of the
late Gene Shoemaker.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Lunar Orbiter |
| Operator: | NASA |
| Contractors: | Lockheed Martin |
| Equipment: | GRS, APS, MAG, DGE, Celestis capsule |
| Configuration: | LM-100 |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 295 kg, 126 kg (dry) |
| Orbit: |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launcher | Remarks: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunar Prospector (Discovery 3) | 07.01.1998 | CC SLC-46 | Athena-2 [TLIS] |
| Further Discovery missions: |
Last update: 27.09.2009
Contact: gunter.krebs@skyrocket.de
© Gunter Dirk Krebs