JAXA’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is a cutting-edge lunar exploration mission designed to demonstrate precise landing technology on the Moon’s surface. SLIM is a critical step in JAXA’s ambitious lunar exploration program, aiming to achieve a high level of landing
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is a pivotal mission aimed at creating a comprehensive map of the Moon’s surface. Launched on June 18, 2009, the LRO has been instrumental in providing vital data about the Moon’s terrain, resources, and potential landing sites for future human and robotic missions.
Equipped with a suite of sophisticated instruments, the LRO is capable of capturing high-resolution images and topographic maps of the lunar surface, which are essential for scientific research and exploration planning.
The orbiter has significantly advanced our understanding of the Moon’s environment, contributing to key discoveries about lunar water ice and the Moon’s geologic history. By gathering detailed lunar data, the LRO continues to support both current and future lunar exploration efforts.
LRO is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Launched on June 18, 2009, LRO has collected a treasure trove of data with its seven powerful instruments, making an invaluable contribution to our knowledge about the Moon. Arizona State University manages and operates the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, LROC.