South Korea's first lunar orbiter, Danuri, sent back black-and-white photographs of the Moon's surface and
"Danuri" is a combination of Korean words thatmeans "Moon" and "enjoy". It was launched on a SpaceX rocket from the USA in August 2022. The object entered lunar orbit last month.
Danuri took the images from December 24thto January 1st. The photographs show the surface of the Moon and the Earth. The orbiter took them from a distance of less than 120 km above our planet's natural satellite, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said in a statement. It is reported that the resulting images and videos “will be used to select potential lunar landing sites in 2032.”
The Danuri lunar orbiter took photographs of the surface of the Moon and Earth. Image courtesy of Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)
Currently, Danuri orbits the Moon every twohours. Already next month the orbiter will begin a scientific mission. Some of the tasks facing the probe include mapping and analysis of the lunar surface, as well as measuring magnetic force and gamma radiation. It will also test experimental “space internet” technology by transmitting photos and videos to Earth.
President Yoon Suk Yeol praises Danuri's achievementsa “historic moment” in the country’s space program. South Korea's other plans include landing a spacecraft on the Moon by 2032 and on Mars by 2045.
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Cover: An artist's impression of the Danuri satellite courtesy of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)