When did the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station?
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter lifted off on the 18th of June 2009. This launch marked the first United States mission to the Moon in over ten years.
Questions about Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What instruments does the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter carry to map lunar resources?
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter carries six instruments plus one technology demonstration to map lunar topography and resources. These include the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation, Diviner, Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project, Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector, Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera.
How much did the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission cost in total?
The total cost of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission reached US$583 million. Five hundred four million dollars pertained to the main probe while seventy-nine million covered the LCROSS satellite.
Where is the underground cave confirmed by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter located?
Analysis of radar data obtained by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter confirmed an underground cave presence within Mare Tranquillitatis. This cave measures about 45 meters wide and at least 80 meters long near where Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot.
When will the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter have enough fuel to continue operations?
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has enough fuel to continue operations until at least 2026. The spacecraft transitioned into a fuel-conserving quasi-frozen elliptical orbit for the remainder of its mission after entering lunar orbit on the 23rd of June 2009.