Lunar scientist Barbara Cohen explains how our moon functions very much like a planet. You’ve all probably heard about the International Astronomical Union (IAU) decision to define a planet — probably because it clarified that there is a big belt of icy objects out beyond the orbit of Neptune, and we now know that Pluto is one …
On June 29, 2009, as part of the LCROSS Observation Campaign, Paul Mortfield, an avid amateur astronomer and frequent contributer to NASA missions, took a series of images of the LCROSS Shepherding Spacecraft and Centaur as they passed through the night sky. LCROSS is currently orbiting the Earth-moon system on its 5,592,000 mile (9,000,000 km) …
Paul Mortfield here at Kennedy Space Center anxiously waiting to see my first launch. I’m with the David Dunlap Observatory just outside Toronto, Canada. The observatory’s 74″ telescope will be participating in the LCROSS NASA observation network for this mission. We’re excited to have Canada’s largest telescope participating and helping the NASA team. We just …
NASA encourages the investment in our nation’s young minds through a myriad of education programs. The agency has traditionally played a key role in preparing, inspiring, exciting, educating and nurturing the young minds of today, who will be the workforce of tomorrow. Two students involved with the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope program (GAVRT) program …
The LCROSS spacecraft has successfully completed its swing-by of the moon and is settling into a normal cruise mode. During the fly-by, LCROSS beamed spectacular first-light images of the moon back to Earth via streaming video. The maneuver provides LCROSS with a gravity assist to help with cruise orbit. The LCROSS spacecraft will be “up …
Tony Colaprete, chief scientist for LCROSS, on how a lot of wavelengths will lead to a better understanding of lunar soil. LCROSS is going someplace we have never been before: a permanently shadowed crater at the south pole of the moon. The trip is being made to study the source of hydrogen that has been …
The wait is over! Under cloudy skies LRO and LCROSS thundered into the atmosphere enroute to the moon. Watch the launch (MP4, 143 MB) NASA’s LRO and LCROSS spacecraft on top of the Atlas V rocket launch fromComplex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Image: NASA An United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasts off with …
Victoria Friedensen, HQ program executive for LCROSS, weighs in on why the Moon is far from a case of “been there, done that…” I think that sometimes we treat the Moon with a BTDT attitude — you know, “been there, done that?” But really, have we really done that? The Moon is our closest neighbor, but like …
Mike Wargo, the chief lunar scientist for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, gives some insight on the history of LRO/LCROSS. You can listen here (2 MB). How did NASA’s LRO/LCROSS missions become the “first step” back to the moon? Before the LRO or LCROSS missions were even thought of, NASA already was busy thinking about …
Even though it was a scorching 90 degrees at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA’s two lunar missions, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, made their roll to launch complex 41 looking sharp. Compared to the space shuttle, the roll was quick and took …
