SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer)


launch date	Sep. 14, 2007
launch vehicle	H-IIA
location	Tanegashima
MAIN ORBITER shape	upper module: 2.1m × 2.1m × 2.8m lower module: 2.1m × 2.1m × 1.4m adaptor truss: 2.2m octagonal column × 0.6m
orbit	circular
altitude	approx. 100km
inclination	90°
attitude control	three-axis stabilization
OKINA (relay satellite) shape	octagonal column (1m × 1m × 0.65m), about 50kg mass
orbit	elliptical
altitude	approx. 100km × 2400km
inclination	90°
attitude control	spin-stabilization
OUNA (VRAD satellite) shape	octagonal column (1m × 1m × 0.65m), about 50kg mass
orbit	elliptical
altitude	approx. 100km × 800km
inclination	90°
attitude control	spin-stabilization

A Japanese mission to study the origin and evolution of the Moon, and help develop the techniques needed for future lunar exploration and utilization. Following the many trips to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s, our nearest celestial companion in space fell out of space-exploration favor. Russia's Luna 24 was the last lunar lander, a quarter of a century ago. SELENE gave scientists and engineers around the world a new and better assessment of the potential for future human utilization, and even habitation, of the Moon. After a four-year delay, SELENE was finally launched on September 14, 2007.

As is traditional with Japanese spacecraft, the three-tonne probe was given an alternative, Japanese name, Kaguya, after a mythical princess story who ascended to the Moon. SELENE orbited the Earth before traveling the 380,000 km (237,500 miles) to the Moon. There the main orbiter and two smaller sub-satellites were be positioned 100 km (60 miles) above the lunar surface.

SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer)

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