-
The nickname for the lunar explorer SELENE, which was solicited from the general public, has been selected as the "KAGUYA." We appreciate the many applications we received.
In addition, a Special Web Site for the "KAGUYA /H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.13" will be open for the launch.
More info at JAXA's web page (http://www.jaxa.jp/topics/2007/06_e.html).
SELENE Project site (http://www.selene.jaxa.jp/en/index.htm).
-
Launch Day of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13)
June 13, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Mitsubishi Heavy Idustries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA) would like to announce that the launch of the H-IIA
Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) with the "KAGUYA" (Selonological and
Engineering Explorer, SELENE) onboard was approved by the Space
Activities Commission (SAC) as follows.
Scheduled date of launch :
August 16 (Thursday), 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST)
Launch time : 9:30:48 a.m. (JST)
Launch windows : August 17 (Fri) through 23 (Thu), 2007 (JST), and
September 13 (Thu) through 21 (Fri), 2007 (JST)
(Launch time will be set for each day.)
Launch Site : Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
-
Has anyone info on the configuartion of the launch vehicle. I presume, it is a H-2A-202 with 4m fairing.
-
according to
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html
it will be the 2022 version with 4S fairing
Olaf
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From Kyodo News Japan's 1st lunar orbiter spacecraft on display (http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstPhotos/index.php?photoid=22038)!
-
SELENE, "The largest lunar mission since the Apollo program", is set to launch on H-IIA2022 No. F13 from the Yoshinobu Complex at Tanegashima on August 16 with a planned 00:30:48 GMT launch time.
SELENE, an acronym for the SELenological and ENgineering Explorer and called "KAGUYA", is Japan’s first large lunar explorer. "KAGUYA" consists of a Main Orbiter that will orbit 100 km above the Moon, and two subsatellites (a Relay Satellite and a VRAD Satellite).
H-2A F13 will place SELENE into a highly elliptical earth orbit. The spacecraft will complete two orbits before propelling itself toward the Moon. The journey to lunar polar orbit will take five days.
The SELENE complex will weigh something like 3.09 tonnes at liftoff, making it the heaviest lunar explorer since Luna 24 in 1976.
http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/selene/index_e.html
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/06/20070613_h2a-f13_e.html
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html
- Ed Kyle
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http://www.h2a.jp/news/index.html
"Stage mating completed- H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.13 for "KAGUYA" (SELENE) launch.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will launch the Japan Aerospace Explanation Agency (JAXA)'s Lunar explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) using H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.13 (H-IIA F13) on coming August 16 at 09:30 AM (JST) from Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC).
The launch campaign for KAGUYA launch has been started and the 1st and the 2nd stages mating was just carried out yesterday, July 3 (see the photo).
The mass of KAGUYA at liftoff is approximately 3 metric tons including two small satellites (Relay Satellite and VRAD Satellite). In order to inject KAGUYA into lunar transfer orbit, MHI prepare a H2A2022 model, equipped with two solid strap-on boosters (SSBs). And the payload fairing model is 4S (4 meters in diameter, a dedicated launch fairing).
Stacking two kinds of solid boosters, solid rocket boosters (SRB-As) and SSBs, will be conducted next 6 days, and it is followed by subsystem checks."
- Ed Kyle
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Launch Postponement of the KAGUYA (SELENE)
July 20, 2007 (JST)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/07/20070720_kaguya_e.html
"Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency would like to announce that we decided to postpone the launch of the Lunar Orbit Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13.)
The launch was originally scheduled on August 16, 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST.)
The new launch date will be announced as soon as it is determined.
(Reason for the delay)
When a ground test was prepared for another satellite (Wideband Internetworking Engineering Test and Demonstration Satellite, WINDS,) the polarity of its onboard condenser was found to be installed reversely. JAXA checked the KAGUYA (SELENE) for the same problem, and found the reverse polarity of the condenser in the two onboard baby satellites (one condenser on each satellite.) The two condensers will be replaced"
-
Oh! so bad
but it is fortunate that they discover the problem before it is in space
or else it may become a disaster
-
Will Kaguya fly before China's first lunar probe, which is supposed to launch in September?
- Ed Kyle
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China's first lunar probe will be launched in October 1st.
-
Is there going to be a launch webcast?
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GW_Simulations - 29/7/2007 6:45 AM
Is there going to be a launch webcast?
I supose yes, but it's to soon to say where to find the link for it...
-
You need to check out JAXA around launch time.
-
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
New Launch Day of the KAGUYA (SELENE)
by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13
August 15, 2007 (JST)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency would like to announce that the launch of the Lunar Orbit
Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13)
was rescheduled as follows.
Scheduled date of launch :
September 13 (Thursday), 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST)
Launch time :
10:35:47 a.m. (JST)
Launch windows :
September 14 (Fri) through September 21 (Fri) 2007 (JST)
(Launch time will be set for each day.)
The original launch date was postponed due to the replacement work of
parts in the two onboard baby satellites of the "KAGUYA" as announced
on July 20, 2007. The replacement was successfully completed thus the
new launch date was set.
This page URL:
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/08/20070815_kaguya_e.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
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So what time will Kaguya launch in Pacific Daylight Time hours?
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From http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/index_e.html
Encapsulated "KAGUYA" moved to the VAB
September 3, 2007
On Aug. 26, the "KAGUYA" was mated with the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF,) a device to load the satellite onto the launch vehicle, in the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building 1 (SFA 1). Subsequently, on the 28th, it was encapsulated by a payload fairing 4S-type. The encapsulated "KAGUYA" was safely transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in the early morning of Sep. 3
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Special Site (http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/f13/) from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for Kaguya SELENE!
-
How long will it take Kaguya to reach the moon?
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They love all those 13s. Flight 13 at Sep. 13th,...
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aquarius - 6/9/2007 8:40 AM
How long will it take Kaguya to reach the moon?
Aprox 5 days
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SELENE is the spacecraft that lunar scientists have been asking for since 1972. The combination of its high-resolution spectral mapping and LRO's half-meter imagery and terrain mapping mean that we'll caught up in lunar instruments, relative to what around Mars right now. We now so little about the moon that the science discoveries of SELENE will a surprise...
Simon ;)
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SELENE launch postponed to friday, september 14th at 10:31:01 JST for bad weather.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/09/20070911_h2a-f13_e.html
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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency would like to announce that we have decided to postpone the launch of the Lunar Orbit Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) as adverse weather conditions are expected during the scheduled countdown operations starting from one day prior to the launch day.
The new launch date will be September 14 (Fri,) 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST.) The launch time is scheduled for 10:31:01 a.m. (JST.)
We will re-examine the weather and other conditions tomorrow for the launch on the 14th.
The launch was previously scheduled for September 13 (Thu,) 2007 (JST.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KAGUYA/H-IIA F13 to be launched at 10:31:01 a.m. on Sep. 14, 2007 (JST)
more information please click this :http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html
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When is the rocket scheduled to be rolled out to the pad and how long does the move take?
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To webcast of the launch go to here (http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/live/weblive_e.html)! The webcast will start about one hour prior to the launch time!
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shuttlefan - 12/9/2007 9:11 AM
When is the rocket scheduled to be rolled out to the pad and how long does the move take?
H-IIA F13 was moved the the launch pad today at 22:02 JST (13:02 GMT if I'm converting correctly). It took about 30 minutes. See the following launch countdown site for updates.
http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/f13/countdown/index.html
A webcam view of the launch pad is here:
http://space.jaxa.jp/webcam/index_e.shtml
Pretty neat. Japan is going to the Moon!
Kaguya is taking a high-def video cam along for the ride to capture earthrise, etc. I hope the world gets a glimpse. There are a couple of generations of Earth dwellers who haven't seen this before.
- Ed Kyle
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Propellant loading operations are ready to start. They're doing "pre-cooling" operations at last report.
- Ed Kyle
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aquarius - 6/9/2007 6:40 PM
How long will it take Kaguya to reach the moon?
SELENE will begin LTO (Lunar Transfer Orbit) maneuvers 2 days after launch.
SELENE will start LOI (Lunar Orbit Insertion) maneuvers 19 days after launch.
SELENE is expected to be Lunar orbit on day 24.
Final LOI maneuvers will take place +39 days.
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About six hours to launch.
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Moved for live coverage.
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Latest JAXA blog report is that the H-IIA second stage LOX and LH2 tanks have been fully tanked for launch.
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DSN stations are warming up and connecting to JAXA's flight systems. Everything looks like a GO so far.
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A couple recent shots from the webcam:
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Daylight approach Tanegashima Space Center, you can make out the landscape terrain behind the launch pad:
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Daylight:
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Brighter by the minute
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Waiting for Godzilla to rise up in the background. :)
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that'd make my day a lil easier :) but hopefully we'll see it fly in a few hours...
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Radio link between LV and ground stations completed.
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clear skys. JAXA/DSN comms & data is GO. fun fun.
Initial AOS (Acquisition of Signal) is scheduled for 257/0237 UTC with Madrid, Spain DSN station DSS-66. AOS in Canberra, Australia is 257/1700 UTC @ DSS-34
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you'd think they'd let us here at the DSN see the webcast but... our computers aren't setup to deal with the MMS:// urls and we dont have anyone willing to set one up to make it :) oh well... i'll be hoping to find some recordings later, as none of the tv channels we get here will carry it either.
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The test link was ok for me two hours ago.. and now, no connexion !
They are perhaps in test !
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nolho - 13/9/2007 11:32 PM
It was ok for me two hours ago.. and now, no connexion !
Maybe they are in test !
Webcast isn't scheduled to start until 00:31 GMT. (just under 2 hours from now)
Is anyone going to record this?
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nolho - 14/9/2007 12:32 AM
It was ok for me two hours ago.. and now, no connexion !
They are perhaps in test !
Live coverage isn't to start until 9:30 am JST(8:30 pm EDT, Thursday).
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Is anyone else having trouble obtaining the webcast? I've been directed to a page asking me to download microsoft windows media 11.
Tried to do that but don't think I succeeded. Then I tried the various other sites they recommend - the ones in Japanese - but couldn't get anything to work. Anybody got any suggestions, thanks in advance.
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Seer - 13/9/2007 11:45 PM
Is anyone else having trouble obtaining the webcast? I've been directed to a page asking me to download microsoft windows media 11.
Tried to do that but don't think I succeeded. Then I tried the various other sites they recommend - the ones in Japanese - but couldn't get anything to work. Anybody got any suggestions, thanks in advance.
Wait for them to post it...
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Under 2 hours 30 minutes to launch (hope someone deletes back the pointless webcast questions).
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Stowbridge - 14/9/2007 4:03 AM
Under 2 hours 30 minutes to launch (hope someone deletes back the pointless webcast questions).
Given that this is a site full of fans for this kind of thing, I think questions about how to properly make sure we can SEE it, is not pointless discussion at all.
A note for those having issues:
VLC Media Player is an open source alternative to MS Media Player, and if you install it and use "Open Stream", you can view the sample, and webcast stream when it is available. There is also a portable version available at PortableApps.com for any interested in always having stuff with them.
Now, back to our regularly re-scheduled launch!
DSN stations are all GO, and waiting for launch so we can pick up the ball and help get it to the moon! All factors that I can get my ears on from here are GO.
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DaveS - 14/9/2007 3:37 AM
nolho - 14/9/2007 12:32 AM
It was ok for me two hours ago.. and now, no connexion !
They are perhaps in test !
Live coverage isn't to start until 9:30 am JST(8:30 pm EDT, Thursday).
Test video link now forwards to the "LIVE" feed that will start at the stated time of 257/0031 UTC
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RHAnthony - 14/9/2007 12:23 AM
DaveS - 14/9/2007 3:37 AM
nolho - 14/9/2007 12:32 AM
It was ok for me two hours ago.. and now, no connexion !
They are perhaps in test !
Live coverage isn't to start until 9:30 am JST(8:30 pm EDT, Thursday).
Test video link now forwards to the "LIVE" feed that will start at the stated time of 257/0031 UTC
Still forwards to the test here. Can you give a URL?
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New update in the launch blog: Second attitude control system slew test completed.
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i have clean, live Japanese audio and Video at http://live.casty.jp/jaxa/
Use IE only
Roci
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Some images of H-2A (F13) on the pad (first two images from http://blog.livedoor.jp/h2a_f8/ and other images from SPACE SERVER Next Generation)
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Roci Stone - 13/9/2007 7:11 PM
i have clean, live Japanese audio and Video at http://live.casty.jp/jaxa/
Use IE only
Roci
Works and there's two funny Japanese guys joking around about something :) Bad bandwidth though, as it's very jumpy.
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Please feel free to post images during this event, but remember the rules, no more than two images per post.
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Live stream:
http://launch.exst.jaxa.jp/asx/kaguya_300k_j.asx
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A cookie from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to comemorate the launch!!! :laugh:
Image from SPACE SERVER Next Generation.
(Sorry for the multiple images on my last post!)
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I'm liking the soundtrack.
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Wow love the music. Think PAO could learn something?
:D
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What's the URL for the webcast? Other than the one above which is not very good.
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Launch in about 1 hour.
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Mark Max Q - 14/9/2007 1:28 AM
What's the URL for the webcast? Other than the one above which is not very good.
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/live/weblive_e.html
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T-1 hour for launch of H-2A (F13) with Kaguya!!!
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Someone grab a screenshot of JAXA's version of Rob Navias and Bruce Buckingham ;)
-
-
I like these guys, they seem enthusiastic about the mission...shame I can't understand a word they're saying.
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The SELENE mission is composed of three vehicles: the Kaguya probe and the VRAD Satellite and Relay Satellite. Are there also aboard the Micro-Lab Sat-2 and the Micro-Lab Sat-2 SubSat? I ask this because some sites point for the launch of this sats also on this mission.
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Satori - 14/9/2007 1:42 AM
The SELENE mission is composed of three vehicles: the Kaguya probe and the VRAD Satellite and Relay Satellite. Are there also aboard the Micro-Lab Sat-2 and the Micro-Lab Sat-2 SubSat? I ask this because some sites point for the launch of this sats also on this mission.
I believe these are the spacecraft responsible for the launch delay. In that case, they must be.
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GW_Simulations - 13/9/2007 7:46 PM
Satori - 14/9/2007 1:42 AM
The SELENE mission is composed of three vehicles: the Kaguya probe and the VRAD Satellite and Relay Satellite. Are there also aboard the Micro-Lab Sat-2 and the Micro-Lab Sat-2 SubSat? I ask this because some sites point for the launch of this sats also on this mission.
I believe these are the spacecraft responsible for the launch delay. In that case, they must be.
Wasn't the launch postponed because of bad weather? (Or are you speaking about a previous delay?)
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How much do JAXA spend on PR? What NASA would do with expensive graphics, JAXA are doing with models and signs.
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Satori - 14/9/2007 1:48 AM
GW_Simulations - 13/9/2007 7:46 PM
Satori - 14/9/2007 1:42 AM
The SELENE mission is composed of three vehicles: the Kaguya probe and the VRAD Satellite and Relay Satellite. Are there also aboard the Micro-Lab Sat-2 and the Micro-Lab Sat-2 SubSat? I ask this because some sites point for the launch of this sats also on this mission.
I believe these are the spacecraft responsible for the launch delay. In that case, they must be.
Wasn't the launch postponed because of bad weather? (Or are you speaking about a previous delay?)
The delay from 16 August.
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The commentators are having problems with the wind :) Beautiful beaches out there in Tanegashima! I'd like to understand more than just when they say "rockoto"
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GW_Simulations - 13/9/2007 7:36 PM
I like these guys, they seem enthusiastic about the mission...shame I can't understand a word they're saying.
Well, at least in my case these countless hours of anime watching are finally used in practical way :D
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GW_Simulations - 14/9/2007 2:48 AM
How much do JAXA spend on PR? What NASA would do with expensive graphics, JAXA are doing with models and signs.
Yes, but the flag falling over on the guy in the middle was hilarious!! :laugh:
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GW_Simulations - 13/9/2007 7:49 PM
[(...)
The delay from 16 August.
Okay! Thank you!
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Satori - 14/9/2007 1:52 AM
GW_Simulations - 13/9/2007 7:49 PM
[(...)
The delay from 16 August.
Okay! Thank you!
I'm not certain. That's just how I understand it. We'll have to wait and see to be sure.
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Hummm, GW_Simulations if you read the press-release abou the delay last August it says "The original launch date was postponed due to the replacement work of parts in the two onboard baby satellites of the "KAGUYA" as announced on July 20, 2007. The replacement was successfully completed thus the new launch date was set."
Could the baby sats of Kaguya be the VRAD Sat and the Relay Sat?
I don't find any mention about the MicroLab Sat-2 on JAXA page (I think I'm not missing anything).
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eeergo - 13/9/2007 7:50 PM
Beautiful beaches out there in Tanegashima!
World's most beautiful launch site, in the eyes of many. Can't say I disagree.
- Ed Kyle
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In the webcast mission profile video, there doesn't seem to appear any other "baby-satellites" other than VRAD and RSat... I don't think those other two are flying in this mission. Not sure either, though.
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I'll be recording the launch by the way. I can't do screenshots though, so please help out with that.
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Mmmm... 4 radar antennas, 15 meters long each... that's nice!
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This is a very agressive mission, I sure hope they pull it off.
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From http://blog.livedoor.jp/h2a_f8/
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Didactic explanation going on right now... while one of the commentators holds two types of rock, the other explains where in the Moon they can be located.
Sorry, but my computer is misbehaving and I can't do screenshots... so my updates today will be only text :)
-
-
Just posting to say I'll get screenshots tonight. ;)
EDIT: Would be much easier in English. :o
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Rollout.
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Looks like VRAD and RSat are going to provide with some sort of observation of the Moon's tenous atmosphere...
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Selene about to join H2A F-13
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T-15 minutes and counting for the launch of Kaguya!!!!
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T-15 minutes
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As its name suggests, RSat will relay data from Kaguya when it's over the far side of the Moon, so that the probe can keep continuous contact with Earth. I don't know if that's a first, but looks like it...
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Description of plan to record "Earthrise" with HDTV camera.
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Arent they explaining mascons right now ?
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Glorious explanation by the commentator, with a miniature model of Kaguya on top of a stick :laugh: This webcast is so amusing, even though I don't understand most of it!
-
-
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eeergo - 13/9/2007 8:18 PM
Glorious explanation by the commentator, with a miniature model of Kaguya on top of a stick :laugh: This webcast is so amusing, even though I don't understand most of it!
It is terrific. This is how Walter used to do it!!
- Ed Kyle
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T-10 minuts and counting! We are nearing the Kaguya launch to the Moon!
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edkyle99 - 13/9/2007 9:17 PM
Description of plan to record "Earthrise" with HDTV camera.
Now that's cool!
-
It appears that the launch phase will last for about 45 and one half minutes.
- Ed Kyle
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In the 'very final stage'
-
I heard English! Maybe the status calls will be translated...
EDIT: They are! :)
-
English translations...
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'Up-the-rocket' shot. Very cool.
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5 minutes
-
Range clear, good weather. GO for launch.
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Automatic countdown started!
-
-
I'd hate to be the person calling out the time.
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Launch vehicle now on internal power.
-
Got to love the countdown ;)
Vehicle on internal power.
-
First stage LH2 pressurization.
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Now burning excess hydrogen
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LOX pressurization.
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LIFTOFF
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LAUNCH!!
-
-
-
First stage flight Max Q.
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-
SSB burnout.
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Great condensation clouds at transonic speed!
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SSB jettison.
-
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SRB-A Jettison.
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I can't see it anymore on this video. ;)
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98km altitude.
-
-
Fairing jettison.
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I've never seen an H-II launch before, so pardon the impending silly question:
Did it look to anyone else like there were some motors that air-started about 10 seconds into flight? All of a sudden, the rocket plume got much larger.
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Smooth flight. 140km in altitude, traveling at 3km per second.
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140 Altitude.
3 km per second velocity.
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Everything going smoothly!
-
Well, it accelerates pretty fast thanks to the SRBs, just like Ariane 5 :)
Wow, they have rocketcam on this mision too ?
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Nice launch
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cdhutch - 14/9/2007 3:36 AM I've never seen an H-II launch before, so pardon the impending silly question: Did it look to anyone else like there were some motors that air-started about 10 seconds into flight? All of a sudden, the rocket plume got much larger.
There are, those are the SSBs.
-
-
cdhutch - 13/9/2007 8:36 PM
I've never seen an H-II launch before, so pardon the impending silly question:
Did it look to anyone else like there were some motors that air-started about 10 seconds into flight? All of a sudden, the rocket plume got much larger.
Yes, there were...
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GW_Simulations - 14/9/2007 3:38 AM Nice launch
You say it! These HII-A are some sight.
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eeergo - 14/9/2007 2:40 AM
GW_Simulations - 14/9/2007 3:38 AM Nice launch
You say it! These HII-A are some sight.
Much better than the M-V. The SOLAR-B launch was an anticlimax.
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Flight proceeding well.
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Nice hardhats...
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Just like NASA PAO, talking over the interesting announcements.
Sounds like second stage ran well.
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Launch replays, posting some of the better shots. ;)
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Empty pad.
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That was a cool launch!
Good luck Kaguya to the moon!! :cool:
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Go Kaguya !
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Congratulations for the ones involved! Looking forward to a great mission, the first on a series of probes to pave the way for humans back to the moon. Next, Chang'e-1! :)
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edkyle99 - 13/9/2007 6:21 PM
eeergo - 13/9/2007 8:18 PM
Glorious explanation by the commentator, with a miniature model of Kaguya on top of a stick :laugh: This webcast is so amusing, even though I don't understand most of it!
It is terrific. This is how Walter used to do it!!
- Ed Kyle
Oh yes! I remember it well, those were the days!
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When does it cease to be called SELENE, and start to officially be called Kaguya?
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Just a reminder - the launch phase isn't over yet!
Hold your applause...
- Ed Kyle
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RHAnthony do you have anything for us?
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Launch video: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9823&start=1
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Launch! (from SPACE SERVER Next Generation)
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GW_Simulations - 14/9/2007 3:53 AM
When does it cease to be called SELENE, and start to officially be called Kaguya?
SELENE is the official name of the probe. Kaguya (meaning 'mouse' in japanese) is its nickname.
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gealert - 14/9/2007 3:01 AM
GW_Simulations - 14/9/2007 3:53 AM
When does it cease to be called SELENE, and start to officially be called Kaguya?
SELENE is the official name of the probe. Kaguya (meaning 'mouse' in japanese) is its nickname.
I thought those names became official at some point (eg. SOLAR-B became Hinode.)
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GW_Simulations - 13/9/2007 9:04 PM
gealert - 14/9/2007 3:01 AM
GW_Simulations - 14/9/2007 3:53 AM
When does it cease to be called SELENE, and start to officially be called Kaguya?
SELENE is the official name of the probe. Kaguya (meaning 'mouse' in japanese) is its nickname.
I thought those names became official at some point (eg. SOLAR-B became Hinode.)
I think that in this case the name is official for some time now, but I think that usually it becames official after spacecraft separation.
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Other view of launch (Also from SPACE SERVER Next Generation). Image by Sinya Matsuura.
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Well, i find this science lections better as those bit lame nasa ones :)
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Launch of Kaguya (from SPACE SERVER Next Generation). Image: Makoto Hisashi Takahashi
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Now at 281km in altitude.
Traveling at 9km per second.
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Separation on 90 seconds!
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We have separation of Kaguya! Congratulations!
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Successful launch of Kaguya lunar probe (from SPACE SERVER Next Generation).
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Well, going to bed now. Another launch coming in a few hours! Good night to all and thanks for a nice coverage!
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Have they done TLI yet?
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Norm Hartnett - 13/9/2007 9:27 PM
Have they done TLI yet?
SELENE separated from the H-2A upper stage in a highly elliptical earth orbit about 47 minutes after liftoff, following a second burn of the upper stage. The spacecraft will complete two earth orbits before propelling itself out of earth orbit toward the Moon. Since each orbit will take many hours, this isn't going to happen for awhile.
- Ed Kyle
-
Thanks Ed, I thought they were in a lower orbit.
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Shouldn't it be on its way to the moon now?
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Seattle Dave - 14/9/2007 1:00 AM
Shouldn't it be on its way to the moon now?
Nope. According to the flight plan, it will orbit the Earth twice so flight controllers can check out all of its systems. Then it will propell itself to the moon.
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I'd like to quote Chuck Wood, who wrote this on his LPOD site:
"have just watched online the live launch of Selene, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) ambitious lunar probe. I captured the images above to show this start of what we can hope will be a new golden age of lunar exploration. Selene has 15 sophisticated instruments that will collect the most precise topographic, geologic, and mineralogical information thus far, some with 10 m resolution. Stereo imaging and a laser altimeter will permit highly detailed topographic mapping of the entire world - the altimeter has 5 m accuracy. A radar sounder will probe the top 20-30 km of crustal structure, and X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometers will determine compositions of surface materials. One unusual instrument is a TV to study the surface with oblique images and also to capture Earth rise - purely a publicity shot! I hope that Selene is fabuously successful and that much exciting new data descends on us. As Selene travels through space, China is also readying its Chang’e-1 lunar orbiter for launch this month, with India and the USA following next year. If you missed the lunar exploration of the 1960s this will be another historic chance to live in a glorious age of discovery. Wahoo!"
Awesome reading, very well written.
(http://www.lpod.org/)
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That HD earthrise will be such a treat ! Does anyone know if there are scheduled dates for its acquisition and public realease ?
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EirikV - 14/9/2007 8:04 AM a TV to study the surface with oblique images and also to capture Earth rise
Missed the launch, but no doubt there is a vid further up this thread.
Oblique images ? Will we see something like this ? I also know from the Mars missions how different these Oblique views can be. They may only be for publicity but they immediately show all sorts of things that standard "top down" views miss. Ruggedness of terrain, and so on.
DJ Barney
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maskims - 14/9/2007 4:08 AM
That HD earthrise will be such a treat ! Does anyone know if there are scheduled dates for its acquisition and public realease ?
At least let the instruments get checked out and the craft settled into lunar orbit first. (The 'public' cam images from orbit are the least of their scheduling decision making priorities for awhile.)
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Launch Result of the KAGUYA (SELENE)
by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13)
September 14, 2007 (JST)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA) launched the Lunar Orbit Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) by
the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) at 10:31:01 a.m. on
September 14, 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima
Space Center.
The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 45 minutes and 34
seconds after liftoff, the separation of the KAGUYA was confirmed.
We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation
and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped
contribute to the successful launch of the KAGUYA aboard the H-IIA F13.
At the time of the launch, the weather was clear, a wind speed was
5.9 m/second from the East South East, and the temperature was 29.8
degrees Celsius.
This information is also available on the following Special Site.
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html
http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/f13/index.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
-
There is a nice article on Spaceflightnow.com on the mission here:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/h2a/selene/070914launch.html
And I found this at Unmannedspaceflight.com
http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=4271&view=findpost&p=99500
A very interesting orbit selection, I suppose it optimizes the use of the available lv.
I have not found anything to confirm any of the operations past seperation.
Edit: Emily's site http://planetary.org/blog has confirmation on solar array paddle and High Gain Antenna deployment!
-
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
KAGUYA (SELENE)
Deployment of the High-Gain Antenna
September 15, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the
deployment of the high-gain antenna of the lunar explorer "KAGUYA"
(SELENE) had been successfully performed through telemetry data
received at 6:52 p.m. on September 14, 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST.)
The high-gain antenna plays a key role in communications between the
satellite and the Earth.
We have also acquired image data taken by the KAGUYA onboard camera at
10:53 p.m. (JST.)
The satellite is currently in good health.
An image of the high-gain antenna deployment taken by the onboard
camera is attached below.
We are preparing for the satellite injection into lunar orbit, and you
can check our operation status in the following Special Site:
?http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html?
Attachment
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/09/20070915_kaguya_e.html#at
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
-
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
KAGUYA (SELENE)
Deployment Status of the Solar Array Paddle
September 15, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the
deployment of the solar array paddle of the "KAGUYA" (SELENE) had been
successfully performed at 11:44 a.m. on September 14 (Japan Standard
Time, JST) through signals and power generation data from the
satellite, as we had explained at the post-launch press conference.
We have acquired an image of the paddle deployment at 11:13 p.m. on
the same day (JST) as attached below.
You can also find the image in the following Special Site.
?http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html?
Attachment
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/09/20070915_kaguya-2_e.html#at
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
-
And so Japan leads mankind's return to the moon, who would have expected this in 1972?
-
Can anyone figure out from the press release when the TLI burn occurs? All I see is "Injection Error Correction Maneuver" yesterday and "Adjustment Maneuver of Revolution Period" on the 19th.
-
It looks like this:
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/0915_0240_vc1_e.pdf
Shows what all the various burns/major events are. Doesn't seem to say when they occur tho.
Iso
(first post :) )
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Norm Hartnett - 15/9/2007 3:32 PM
And so Japan leads mankind's return to the moon, who would have expected this in 1972?
Indeed. If launch schedules stay the way they are, and nothing fails, then the USA (LRO) will be the fourth to reach the moon this time around, after Japan (SELENE), China (Chang'e), and India (Chandrayaan).
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GW_Simulations - 15/9/2007 7:25 PM
Norm Hartnett - 15/9/2007 3:32 PM
And so Japan leads mankind's return to the moon, who would have expected this in 1972?
Indeed. If launch schedules stay the way they are, and nothing fails, then the USA (LRO) will be the fourth to reach the moon this time around, after Japan (SELENE), China (Chang'e), and India (Chandrayaan).
Why does Kaguya mark the begin the return to the moon? What about Clementine, Lunar Prospector and SMART 1 which were all post Apollo lunar programs?
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Skyrocket - 15/9/2007 4:35 PM
GW_Simulations - 15/9/2007 7:25 PM
Norm Hartnett - 15/9/2007 3:32 PM
And so Japan leads mankind's return to the moon, who would have expected this in 1972?
Indeed. If launch schedules stay the way they are, and nothing fails, then the USA (LRO) will be the fourth to reach the moon this time around, after Japan (SELENE), China (Chang'e), and India (Chandrayaan).
Why does Kaguya mark the begin the return to the moon? What about Clementine, Lunar Prospector and SMART 1 which were all post Apollo lunar programs?
Yes. The moon has been "returned" to several times, most recently just over one year ago!
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/SMART-1/SEMWH5MPQ5F_0.html
- Ed Kyle
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Skyrocket - 15/9/2007 2:35 PM
GW_Simulations - 15/9/2007 7:25 PM
Norm Hartnett - 15/9/2007 3:32 PM
And so Japan leads mankind's return to the moon, who would have expected this in 1972?
Indeed. If launch schedules stay the way they are, and nothing fails, then the USA (LRO) will be the fourth to reach the moon this time around, after Japan (SELENE), China (Chang'e), and India (Chandrayaan).
Why does Kaguya mark the begin the return to the moon? What about Clementine, Lunar Prospector and SMART 1 which were all post Apollo lunar programs?
Any lunar science done by Clementine was as an adjunct to it's primary mission. Smart 1 was a technology test bed which yielded some, limited, science results. Lunar Prospector was at least a dedicated lunar mission but did not come close to the kind of science that Kaguya is capable of. Finally all the other missions were launched before the VSE, Kaguya is the lead of a new generation of lunar missions and is the most modern, powerful science platform ever launched to the moon. IMO of course.
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Norm Hartnett - 15/9/2007 6:26 PM
Skyrocket - 15/9/2007 2:35 PM
GW_Simulations - 15/9/2007 7:25 PM
Norm Hartnett - 15/9/2007 3:32 PM
And so Japan leads mankind's return to the moon, who would have expected this in 1972?
Indeed. If launch schedules stay the way they are, and nothing fails, then the USA (LRO) will be the fourth to reach the moon this time around, after Japan (SELENE), China (Chang'e), and India (Chandrayaan).
Why does Kaguya mark the begin the return to the moon? What about Clementine, Lunar Prospector and SMART 1 which were all post Apollo lunar programs?
Finally all the other missions were launched before the VSE, Kaguya is the lead of a new generation of lunar missions and is the most modern, powerful science platform ever launched to the moon. IMO of course.
SELENE has been in work since before the VSE, too. Due to delays, it just happened to launch after the VSE announcement.
I'm not sure there is a lot of benefit to discussing who is leading the charge. I'm thrilled such a high-quality probe is on the way. Lunar Prospector was a great start for the US, and the Indian and Chinese efforts are great achievements for their countries. "Whose probe is bigger" is kind of an old arguement, isn't it?
-
Norm Hartnett - 15/9/2007 6:26 PM
Smart 1 was a technology test bed which yielded some, limited, science results.
These "limited" science results are breakthrough data in x-ray and IR-spectroscopy...
-
Just a question about the launch: Why are the two small SRBs ignited in flight and not on the pad ?
-
Will the Kaguya be able to image the left over artifacts of the Apollo missions?
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Spirit71 - 16/9/2007 3:16 PM
Will the Kaguya be able to image the left over artifacts of the Apollo missions?
No. Doesn't have the necessary camera resolution.
-
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/0916_0227_va1_e.pdf
This is the latest news bit by JAXA about Kaguya. It has performed the Orbit Control Error Correction maneuver, which in the pdf is number 7. It's therefore passed the apogee of the first Earth orbit, and has one and a half orbits to complete around our planet before the TLI burn.
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Martin.cz - 16/9/2007 4:08 AM
Just a question about the launch: Why are the two small SRBs ignited in flight and not on the pad ?
I'm going to make an educated guess, so don't place a bet based on my answer!
If memory serves, the smaller "SSB" boosters, which are ATK Castor 4-somethings, were added to the H-2A design fairly late in the development cycle. It could be that the launch pad facilities, which were originally built for the H-2 launch vehicle, were unable to accommodate the SSBs without needing a lot of modifications.
- Ed Kyle
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edkyle99 - 16/9/2007 10:04 AM
Martin.cz - 16/9/2007 4:08 AM
Just a question about the launch: Why are the two small SRBs ignited in flight and not on the pad ?
I'm going to make an educated guess, so don't place a bet based on my answer!
If memory serves, the smaller "SSB" boosters, which are ATK Castor 4-somethings, were added to the H-2A design fairly late in the development cycle. It could be that the launch pad facilities, which were originally built for the H-2 launch vehicle, were unable to accommodate the SSBs without needing a lot of modifications.
- Ed Kyle
Or maybe my uneducated guess ... to minimize the maximum dynamic pressure due to aerodynamic drag? Similar boot of power as the Shuttle's "Go with throttle up" after MaxQ.
-
on timelines...
from Emily's site..
Lunar Polar Orbit Insertion (LOI) October 3, 21:01:01
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imcub - 16/9/2007 12:26 PM
edkyle99 - 16/9/2007 10:04 AM
Martin.cz - 16/9/2007 4:08 AM
Just a question about the launch: Why are the two small SRBs ignited in flight and not on the pad ?
I'm going to make an educated guess, so don't place a bet based on my answer!
If memory serves, the smaller "SSB" boosters, which are ATK Castor 4-somethings, were added to the H-2A design fairly late in the development cycle. It could be that the launch pad facilities, which were originally built for the H-2 launch vehicle, were unable to accommodate the SSBs without needing a lot of modifications.
- Ed Kyle
Or maybe my uneducated guess ... to minimize the maximum dynamic pressure due to aerodynamic drag? Similar boot of power as the Shuttle's "Go with throttle up" after MaxQ.
The SSBs light up only a few seconds after liftoff, just after the vehicle has cleared the launch tower, so I doubt that the sequencing has anything to do with Maq-Q.
- Ed Kyle
-
Lunar Orbit Insertion will be 276/2056 UTC. Thats another 16 days away, and about 24 days after launch. The idea that it will only take 5 days to get to the moon, I don't know where people are getting that from.
L+24 = LOI
L+30 = Rsat seperation
L+34 = Vsat seperation
L+39 = Nominal orbit achieved.
Thats what everyone's working with at this point, which is all according to plans.
As events unfold more and more, I'll get more accurate times on the events coming up in the mission and post them here. Sorry for not having more details on the ride up and into the first loop-de-loop around us... I had been here for 16+ hours on launch day, and 14+ the day before!
What I can tell you though is that the DSN stations picked it up right on time, no issues, and everything seems to be flying completely healthy at this point. Solar paddle deploy was on time and as-planned.
SELENE is being tracked and commanded through the DSN 26m and 34m antenna subnets.
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edkyle99 - 16/9/2007 8:23 PM
imcub - 16/9/2007 12:26 PM
edkyle99 - 16/9/2007 10:04 AM
Martin.cz - 16/9/2007 4:08 AM
Just a question about the launch: Why are the two small SRBs ignited in flight and not on the pad ?
I'm going to make an educated guess, so don't place a bet based on my answer!
If memory serves, the smaller "SSB" boosters, which are ATK Castor 4-somethings, were added to the H-2A design fairly late in the development cycle. It could be that the launch pad facilities, which were originally built for the H-2 launch vehicle, were unable to accommodate the SSBs without needing a lot of modifications.
- Ed Kyle
Or maybe my uneducated guess ... to minimize the maximum dynamic pressure due to aerodynamic drag? Similar boot of power as the Shuttle's "Go with throttle up" after MaxQ.
The SSBs light up only a few seconds after liftoff, just after the vehicle has cleared the launch tower, so I doubt that the sequencing has anything to do with Maq-Q.
- Ed Kyle
Oh ... well ... then ... never mind ...
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edkyle99 - 16/9/2007 10:23 PM
imcub - 16/9/2007 12:26 PM
edkyle99 - 16/9/2007 10:04 AM
Martin.cz - 16/9/2007 4:08 AM
Just a question about the launch: Why are the two small SRBs ignited in flight and not on the pad ?
I'm going to make an educated guess, so don't place a bet based on my answer!
If memory serves, the smaller "SSB" boosters, which are ATK Castor 4-somethings, were added to the H-2A design fairly late in the development cycle. It could be that the launch pad facilities, which were originally built for the H-2 launch vehicle, were unable to accommodate the SSBs without needing a lot of modifications.
- Ed Kyle
Or maybe my uneducated guess ... to minimize the maximum dynamic pressure due to aerodynamic drag? Similar boot of power as the Shuttle's "Go with throttle up" after MaxQ.
The SSBs light up only a few seconds after liftoff, just after the vehicle has cleared the launch tower, so I doubt that the sequencing has anything to do with Maq-Q.
- Ed Kyle
They were probably added because Kaguya's mass needed just bit more "oomph" from the first stage booster.
As to the delayed ignition, Ed's reasoning is probably spot on - the launch pad just didn't have the protections needed (flame deflectors/water sprays/umbilibal protections) for a T-0 ignition. The delay might have even helped the boost acceleration profile just a bit.
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Aside from the fact that Kaguya is apparently in a highly elliptical orbit does anyone know why JAXA does not release orbital elements or any information about apogee/perigee, etc. for this misson? When is the TLI burn, the duration, DeltaV, etc?
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lcs - 20/9/2007 1:41 PM
Aside from the fact that Kaguya is apparently in a highly elliptical orbit does anyone know why JAXA does not release orbital elements or any information about apogee/perigee, etc. for this misson? When is the TLI burn, the duration, DeltaV, etc?
Not always easy to find.
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/0921_0700_vc2_e.pdf
If I have understood what that said and putting it together with the linked data from Unmannedspaceflight.com (above) the Kaguya is now on the way and, after one more earth swing by will be headed for the moon with two more possible correction burns (the last on Sept. 30) prior to LOI on Oct. 3.
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Looking forward to see what future views the mission onboard camera shows.
OK, it's more or less a web-cam in terms of resolution, but still...
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MKremer - 21/9/2007 6:02 PM
Looking forward to see what future views the mission onboard camera shows.
OK, it's more or less a web-cam in terms of resolution, but still...
Yes, I am also hoping to see some information from the instrument testing which should be underway by now.
Hint, hint RHAnthony :D
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The last period correction maneuver has been performed.
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/0930_0100_vp2_e.pdf
Kaguya should now be exiting its last orbit around Earth. Three days to LOI. :)
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I assume that SELENE was launched into an unstable earth orbit and flung towards the Moon by the Moon's gravity.
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tnphysics - 30/9/2007 6:32 PM
I assume that SELENE was launched into an unstable earth orbit and flung towards the Moon by the Moon's gravity.
You haven't looked at the Kaguya site, or read any of the documentation available there, or read any of Emily's detailed Planetary Society blog posts about Kaguya, have you?
-
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lunar Explorer KAGUYA (SELENE)
Successful Image Taking by the High Definition Television (HDTV)
October 1, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NHK (Japan Broadcasting
Corporation) have successfully taken high definition moving images
through the KAGUYA (SELENE) for the first time. The KAGUYA is a lunar
explorer launched on September 14 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the
Tanegashima Space Center.
The images were taken by the KAGUYA's onboard High Definition
Television (HDTV), which was developed by NHK for space use. It is the
first high-definition image shooting of the Earth from so deep in
space - about 110,000 km away from the Earth - in human history. The
moving image data acquired by the KAGUYA was received at the JAXA
Usuda Deep Space Center, then processed at NHK.
The satellite was confirmed to be in good health through telemetry
data received at the Usuda station.
The Earth taken by the onboard HDTV of the KAGUYA (Still image)
The world's first high definition image shooting of the Earth from
about 110,000 km deep in space. (Up until today, we have taken images
from the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS,)
which fly about 340 km away from the Earth.) The West Coast of South
America looks brighter as it was day time there when the image was
taken.
The moving image was taken by eight-fold speed intermittent
shooting (eight minutes is converged to one minute) at 9:46 p.m. on
September 29, 2007 (JST,) then received at the JAXA Usuda Deep Space
Center at 9:40 a.m. on September 30, 2007 (JST). Part of the acquired
moving image data was processed for this still image.
(Reference)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071001_kaguya_e.html#ref
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
-
WOW!
The released HD image has an amazing quality, the movies are going to be just breathtaking! Hope to see the first for public download soon...
-
So, entering lunar orbit in a few days.
-
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
KAGUYA (SELENE)
Lunar Orbit Injection Maneuver (LOI1)
October 4, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plans to carry out a
lunar orbit injection maneuver (LOI1) for the "KAGUYA" (SELENE) from
around 5:55 a.m. on October 4, 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST.)
The "KAGUYA" (SELENE) is a lunar explorer launched by the H-IIA Launch
Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) on September 14, 2007 (JST) from the
Tanegashima Space Center.
(Scheduled next information release)
We plan to announce the result of the LOI1 around 9:00 a.m. on October
5 (JST) on the following Special Site.
[http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html]
-
It seems they were successful. See spaceflightnow.com (http://spaceflightnow.com/h2a/selene/071004loi.html)
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jabe - 4/10/2007 1:38 PM
It seems they were successful. See spaceflightnow.com (http://spaceflightnow.com/h2a/selene/071004loi.html)
It is on AP as well, but the story is marred, IMO, by the following statement:
"SELENE — is the largest lunar mission since the U.S. Apollo program, outpacing the former Soviet Union's Luna program".
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071005/ap_on_sc/japan_moon_probe
Sorry AP, but the latter Luna missions, which weighed more than SELENE and included rovers and sample-return flights, were clearly not "outpaced" by Japan's spacecraft. SELENE is remarkable enough in and of itself, but it is no Luna.
EDIT: Shortly after the AP story was posted, the offending sentence mentioned above was changed, with the reference to Luna deleted! Now it says "SELENE — is the largest lunar mission since the U.S. Apollo program in terms of overall scope and ambition" (still "dissing" Luna here though, which flew for several years after the last Apollo). It will probably say something else in a few minutes!
Why don't they just say that it is the largest lunar mission since Luna 24?
- Ed Kyle
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I hope they update the jaxa (http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html) website soon to have some hopefully more specific info.
-
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
KAGUYA (SELENE)
Result of the Lunar Orbit Injection Maneuver (LOI1)
- Lunar orbit injection was confirmed -
October 5, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performed the lunar
orbit injection maneuver (LOI1) for the "KAGUYA" (SELENE) at 6:20 a.m.
on October 4, 2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST.) The KAGUYA is a lunar
explorer launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) on
September 14, 2007 (JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. As a
result of the orbit calculation after the maneuver, we have confirmed
that the KAGUYA was injected into the following lunar orbit.
The satellite is confirmed to be in good health.
Injected orbit
Apogee altitude 11,741 km
Perigee altitude 101 km
Period 16 hours 42 minutes
We are now pleased to be able to report to you that we have safely
delivered messages and signs that were collected from 412,627 people
around the world through the Wish upon the Moon Campaign and engraved
on the sheets to be aboard the KAGUYA to the Moon. We would like to
express our profound appreciation to all perticipants and hope your
continued support to the KAGUYA mission.
You can also check this information on the following Special Site:
[http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
-
Good!
The Chinese will follow soon with their moon probe.
-
Third of six lunar orbital adjustments completed.
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/1008_0156_loi3_e.pdf
Seperation of the Relay satellite should be coming up in the next 24hrs.
-
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*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
KAGUYA (SELENE)
Result of the Separation of the Relay Satellite (Rstar)
and
Moon Images Shot by the KAGUYA Onboard Camera
October 9, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performed the separation
operation of one of the onboard baby satellites, the Relay Satellite
(Rstar,) of the "KAGUYA" (SELENE,) and the Rstar was released at
9:36 a.m. on October 9 (Japan Standard Time, JST). The KAGUYA is a
lunar explorer launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13)
on September 14, 2007 (JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. Both
the KAGUYA and Rstar are confirmed to be in good health.
Images of the separation of the Rstar taken by the KAGUYA onboard
camera are shown in Attachment 1.
In addition, Moon images taken by one of the KAGUYA's onboard cameras,
the high-gain antenna monitor camera, are also available in Attachment
2.
Attachment 1
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071009_kaguya_e.html#at01
Attachment 2
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071009_kaguya_e.html#at02
You can also check this information on the following Special Site:
[http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
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An image from the link mentioned in the previous message. http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071009_kaguya_e.html#at02
The Moon is still there, after all these years.
- Ed Kyle
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Spacecraft self-portraits are so incredible. Nothing like seeing it as you really would.
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Another new correction maneuver performed (only 2 to go): LOI4. This correction lowers the apogee of the orbit. In 2 days, VRAD will be released and in Oct 19 the science phase will officially begin.
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/1010_0500_loi4_e.pdf
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Looks like they have vrad Separation. Hope they have some pics of the release. They are little closer to the moon so hopefully a few sneak peeks of the Moon.
more info (http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/1012_0830_vstar_e.pdf)
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Result of the Separation of the VRAD Satellite (Vstar)
October 12, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performed the separation
operation of one of the onboard baby satellites, the VRAD (Very Long
Baseline Interferometer) Satellite* of the "KAGUYA" (SELENE.) The VRAD
satellite was released at 1:28 p.m. on October 12, 2007 (Japan
Standard Time, JST). The KAGUYA is a lunar explorer that was launched
by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) on September 14, 2007,
(JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. Both the KAGUYA and VRAD
satellite are confirmed to be in good health.
Images of the separation of the VRAD satellite taken by the KAGUYA
onboard camera are shown in Attachment.
The other baby satellite, the Relay satellite, and the VRAD satellite
are respectively nicknamed "OKINA" meaning an "honorable elderly man"
and "OUNA" meaning an "honorable elderly woman."**
* VRAD Satellite: a baby satellite of the KAGUYA that is equipped with
a radiowave source for observing the gravity field of the Moon
** OKINA and OUNA
"OKINA" and "OUNA" were selected from nominations proposed by the
people related to the SELENE project. The names stem from the Japanese
classic story The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Taketori Monogatari,)
which most Japanese are very familiar with, as the "KAGUYA" originates
from "Kaguya-hime (Princess Kaguya)" in that tale.
Princess Kaguya was found by an old man ("OKINA") in a bamboo and was
brought up by the man and his wife ("OUNA") with great care. Please
refer to the following website for the outline of the tale.
[http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/special/nickname_e.html]
The Relay and VRAD satellites are flying in a higher orbit than the
main satellite, KAGUYA, as if they are watching over the KAGUYA as its
guardians. Therefore, we selected "OKINA" and "OUNA" as their
nicknames.
Attachment
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071012_kaguya_e.html#at01
You can also check this information on the following Special Site:
[http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html]
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
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Today JAXA reported completion of LOI 5 and 6 and SELENE was injected into 123X80km lunar orbit
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/topics/pdf/1019_0925_loi56_e.pdf
All adjustment maneuvers should be completed
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Completion of the Critical Phase
October 21, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) injected the KAGUYA main
satellite in its scheduled orbit and shifted its operation mode to the
regular control mode. Both the KAGUYA main satellite and its two baby
satellites are in good health. The "KAGUYA" (SELENE) is a lunar
explorer launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) on
September 14, 2007, (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima
Space Center.
We completed the KAGUYA's critical phase and are now moving to the
initial functional verification phase.
During the verification phase, we will check out onboard equipment in
the current lunar orbit until mid December, then start regular
observations.
We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation
and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped
contribute to the successful launch and tracking operation of the
KAGUYA.
You can also check this information on the following Special Site:
[http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f13/index_e.html]
Critical phase: a period starting from launch through being ready for
initial functional verification including payload separation from the
launch vehicle, injection into the lunar orbit, and shift to a regular
control mode.
Regular control mode: attitude control method of a satellite with
three axis control to observe the Moon's surface by having the
observation equipment face the moon at all times.
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
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Lunar north pole from 98Km :D
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Whoa, those craters sure do pop out! And got earth in the same picture too, how nice.
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http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071021_kaguya.pdf
I'm not sure which camera is being used for these shots but once they move to General Control additude and finish deployment and testing of the experiments we should be seeing some great pictures from both the HDTV and Terrain cameras.
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Oops, correction: That would be the Southern Polar region about 73 degrees south.
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Norm Hartnett - 21/10/2007 10:17 AM
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071021_kaguya.pdf
I'm not sure which camera is being used for these shots but once they move to General Control additude and finish deployment and testing of the experiments we should be seeing some great pictures from both the HDTV and Terrain cameras.
English version seems to be up here (http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/10/20071021_kaguya_e.pdf)
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KAGUYA deployed LMAG mast and LRS antennas
October 31, 2007
http://www.jaxa.jp/topics/2007/10_e.html (with photo!)
"The "KAGUYA"(SELENE), flying around the moon, successfully extended the Lunar Magnetometer (LMAG) mast and Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS) antennas, and deployed the Upper Atmosphere and Plasma Imager (UPI)"
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Awesome pictures and video of the lunar surface !! :laugh:
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071107_kaguya_e.html
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071107_kaguya_movie_e.html
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I want to see the HD version of that vid :)
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Gads, the movie of the North pole crossing is awesome!!!
I would guess that NHK is broadcasting this in HD fairly frequently in Japan. In the US we will have to wait for the Science Channel or Discovery to pick it up.
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The video works really lousy... I hope they had a youtube style player where you can just pause it and it loads the whole clip and you can then press play and have no constant hiccups...
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meiza - 8/11/2007 8:41 PM
The video works really lousy... I hope they had a youtube style player where you can just pause it and it loads the whole clip and you can then press play and have no constant hiccups...
Let it load for a bit while playing, then pull the slider bar back to the left. The video will then run smoothly.
- Ed Kyle
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I hate the flash players ... I'd prefer a downloadable file with a decent definition (even if we can download flash movie by tweaking).
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They just did the lunar surface one better.
Earthrise!
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071113_kaguya_e.html
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Some surface pics are up (http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071116_kaguya_e.html)
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TOP > Press Release > KAGUYA (SELENE) Observation by Terrain Camera (TC) and Multi-band Imager (MI)
It can take three-dimensional (stereo) images of the Moon's globe with a world-leading super high definition of 10 m.
???
What are they referring to? Best resolution on the Moon, I imagine, because MGS could resolve about 0.5 m on the surface of Mars.
Is there any chance we could resolve some detail at the Apollo landing sites? If not the LM itself at least some soil disturbance.
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Observation by Terrain Camera (TC)
and Multi-band Imager (MI)
November 16, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) carried out an
observation using two onboard sensors of the Moon Explorer "KAGUYA"
(SELENE,) the Terrain Camera (TC) and Multi-band Imager (MI,) on
November 3, 2007, processed the acquired data, and confirmed they were
functioning properly. The observation was part of the initial
functional verification of the KAGUYA, which had been injected into
the Moon's orbit at an altitude of about 100 km. In a global first,
both three-dimensional (stereo) observations of the Moon by the TC
with a 10-meter aerial resolution and a multi-band observations by the
MI with a 20-meter aerial resolution of the Moon's backside and near
polar were taken.
The satellite was confirmed to be in good health through telemetry
data received at the Usuda Deep Space Center.
Terrain Camera (TC)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071116_kaguya_e.html#tc
Multi-band Imager (MI)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071116_kaguya_e.html#mi
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
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sandrot - 16/11/2007 7:59 AM
What are they referring to? Best resolution on the Moon, I imagine, because MGS could resolve about 0.5 m on the surface of Mars.
Is there any chance we could resolve some detail at the Apollo landing sites? If not the LM itself at least some soil disturbance.
As I understand we will have to wait for NASAs lunar orbiter (LRO to be launched in late october next year to get resoltion under 1 m..
I can't wait.... :) I do wish china/japans or indias probe could get better resolution but i do love the HD camera :)
cheers
jb
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Composition of 3-D Movies with Terrain Camera Images
November 28, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully
demonstrated production of digital elevation models and stereo movies
(3 dimensional movies) of the Moon surface by using stereoscopic
images obtained with the Terrain Camera (TC) onboard KAGUYA on Nov. 3,
2007 (Japan Standard Time, JST). This verification was performed as
part of the initial check out of mission instruments onboard "KAGUYA"
(SELENE), which was injected into the Moon's orbit at an altitude of
about 100 km. These are the first 3-D movies of the Moon including its
polar areas with an aerial resolution of 10 meters.
Anaglyph images*1 and movies were also produced from the digital
elevation models.
*1: Anaglyph images are 3-D images viewed with red and blue 3-D glasses
Movies (480 X 270 pixels)
- 3D image around DYSON crater by TC
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20071128_kaguya_movie01_e.html
- Anaglyph moving image around DYSON crater by TC
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20071128_kaguya_movie02_e.html
- 3D image near the South Pole by TC
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20071128_kaguya_movie03_e.html
Terrain Camera (TC)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071128_kaguya_e.html#tc
Figure 1: Still images captured from the 3-D movie produced from the
TC data The mesh spaced by 1 km.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071128_kaguya_e.html#pict01tc
Figure 2: Anaglyph images captured from the movie, composed from the
same observation data as those for Figure 1.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071128_kaguya_e.html#pict02tc
Figure 3: Observation locations for Figure 1 and 2
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071128_kaguya_e.html#pict03tc
Reference: Three-dimensional view theory
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/11/20071128_kaguya_e.html#ref01
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Observations using the Spectral Profiler (SP)
December 14, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) verified the Spectral
Profiler (SP) onboard the lunar explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) orbiting
approximately 100 km above the lunar surface, through initial
observations on November 3, 2007, and subsequent data analysis. The
obtained data is the world's first continuous reflectance spectra of
the far side of the Moon in the visible and near infrared region.
The satellite was confirmed to be in good health through telemetry
data received at the Usuda Deep Space Center.
Spectral Profiler (SP)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071214_kaguya_e.html#sp
Fig. 1 SP Observation Specification
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071214_kaguya_e.html#pict01sp
Fig. 2 First light observation location of SP
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071214_kaguya_e.html#pict02sp
Fig. 3 First Light Data of SP
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071214_kaguya_e.html#pict03sp
Fig. 4 SP and MI data near a crater shown in Fig. 2
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071214_kaguya_e.html#pict04sp
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
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According to JAXA web page (listed at bottom), two science instruments of Kaguya can't work with full function. The two instruments are:
XRS (X-ray Spectrometer):
In normal mode, XRS should work with four CCDs. However, unrespect noise happens when all four are working. Now, only one CCD is turned on and they are still studying on how to solve it.
CPS (Charged Particle Spectrometer):
After turning on, it works well. But two hours later it stop generating data. An early guess is over heating of circuit. Engineeers are still looking for exact reason.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071221_kaguya_j.html
This page is written in Japanese, I haven't find English version yet.
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Transition to Operation Phase
December 21, 2007 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is pleased to announce
that the operation phase of the lunar explorer, KAGUYA (SELENE), was
transitioned to normal operations from its initial check out on
December 21 (Japan Standard Time, all the following dates and time are
JST), 2007 as we were able to acquire satisfactory verification
results for all fifteen observation missions. The results are shown in
the following chart.
JAXA had been conducting an initial functional verification of the
KAGUYA onboard systems (for both the bus and mission instruments) for
about two months since the KAGUYA was injected into observation orbit
at an altitude of about 100 km on Oct 18, 2007.
From now on, we will perform regular operations for about ten months
to acquire data on "Moon Science" and other studies.
Although the X-ray Spectrometer and Charged Particle Spectrometer were
found not performing its full specifications, we will cope with the
problems during our normal operations while continuing to investigate
the cause.
"Kaguya" Initial Check results
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071221_kaguya_e.html#check
Reference:
High definition image of the Moon taken after the critical phase
("Mare Serenitatis" near the location where Apollo 17 landed)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071221_kaguya_e.html#at01
This page URL:
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/12/20071221_kaguya_e.html
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
JAXA WEB SITE :
http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE) Observations with Laser Altimeter (LALT)
and Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS) Sounder Mode
January 10, 2008 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) carried out observations
using two onboard sensors of the lunar explorer KAGUYA -- the Laser
Altimeter (LALT) and sounder mode (*) of the Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS).
Through analysis of the LALT data taken from November 26 (Japan
Standard Time, all the following dates and times are JST), 2007, we
confirmed that the lunar topography can be deduced as planned. The
LALT is expected to obtain a global and precise topographic data set
of the Moon, including the polar regions with a latitude higher than
75 degrees that have never been explored by previous satellites. This
data set, in combination with the high-spatial-resolution stereoscopic
observation data to be taken with the Terrain Camera (TC), will
compose the first complete, precise, and high-spatial-resolution
topographic map of the Moon.
The LRS sounder mode was tested on November 20 and 21, 2007, over the
eastern Mare Imbrium, and the performance of this mode was verified.
The data obtained in this experiment visualized largely horizontal
subsurface stratification, which probably consists of alternating
beds of lava, volcanic ashe and ejecta blankets. The existence of such
a strata has been expected for decades based chiefly on surface geology.
By means of global scanning, the LRS will provide us with a massive
amount of information on the subsurface geology of the Moon down to a
few kilometers from the surface. Faults and folds, identified from the
discontinuity or disturbance of subsurface stratification, are
important clues to understand not only regional tectonics but also the
evolution of the Moon, including global thermal history.
* The LRS has two observation modes - a sounder mode for subsurface
sounding and a natural radio observation mode for observations of
natural plasma waves and natural radio waves.
Laser Altimeter (LALT)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/01/20080110_kaguya_e.html#lalt
Figure 1
The topography of the Mare Orientale (19.4S, 92.8W) deduced from LALT
data.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/01/20080110_kaguya_e.html#pict01
Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS) - Sounder Mode
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/01/20080110_kaguya_e.html#lrs
Figure 2
Simulated radar echoes.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/01/20080110_kaguya_e.html#pict02
Figure 3
Observed radar echoes taken with the LRS near the Poisson crater
(30.4S, 10.6E) on November 20, 2007, in a 20 second period from
18:22:50 to 18:23:10.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/01/20080110_kaguya_e.html#pict03
Figure 4
The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image and strata identification of
the northeastern part of the Mare Imbrium near the Kirch crater (39.2N,
5.6W, 11 km dia.) retrieved from the LRS sounder mode observation data
on November 21, 2007, from 22:13 to 22:15.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/01/20080110_kaguya_e.html#pict04
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
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An interesting update from Planetary Society's blogger Emily:
http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00001394/
It features an spectacular Earthrise and an even more spectacular, and rarely seen (at least for me) Earthset. Worth a pair or three looks ;)
EDIT: Actually, I've gone to the main KAGUYA JAXA page and there's a very cool image and movie galleries here: http://wms.selene.jaxa.jp/index_e.html , with a dedicated section for each instrument, lots of info and a very zen look! They even imaged the Apollo11 landing site (although nothing can be seen with the Multiband Imager's resolution, it's more useful to correlate and contextualize the Apollo samples)
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Awesome, just don't we have a beautiful planet and the Moon looks interesting too as desolate jagged rocks go ;)
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20080411_kaguya_movie01_j.html
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20080411_kaguya_movie02_j.html
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Has anyone seen the previously released HD footage put to a beautiful choral arrangement of "some" boys choir which I can't remember. It was online maybe a week or 2 after the original release but I can't seem to find it anymore and would love to. It was the kind of space movie that gives you chills, if anyone has any idea where I can find this cut i would love it,
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*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Image Taking of "Full Earth-Rise" by HDTV
April 11, 2008
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NHK (Japan
Broadcasting Corporation) successfully captured a movie of the "Full
Earth-Rise"*1 using the onboard High Definition Television (HDTV) of
the lunar explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) on April 6, 2008 (Japan Standard
Time, JST, all the following dates and time are JST.) The KAGUYA is
currently flying in the lunar observation orbit at an altitude of about
100 km.
An "Earth-rise," or the rising Earth over the Moon, was first captured
by the Apollo project. The Earth rising movie taken by the KAGUYA on
November 7, 2007, was not a full Earth-rise (i.e. not all of the globe
was seen in shining blue.) It missed some part. This time, a "full
Earth-rise"*1 was taken by the onboard HDTV in faraway space, some
380,000 km away from the Earth. This is the world's first successful
shooting of such a Full Earth-Rise. It was also very precious because
it was one of only two chances in a year for the KAGUYA to capture a
Full Earth-Rise when the orbits of the Moon, the Earth, the Sun and the
KAGUYA are all lined up.
The shooting was performed by the KAGUYA's onboard HDTV for space use,
which was developed by NHK. The movie data was received at JAXA, then
processed by NHK.
*1 The phenomenon expressed as a "Full Earth-Rise" can be seen from a
satellite that travels around the Moon such as the KAGUYA (SELENE) or
the Apollo manned spacecraft. The Earth is almost stationary when it is
observed from the Moon, thus a Full Earth-Rise coming out from the
horizon cannot be seen from the Moon.
Photo 1: Full Earth-rise taken by HDTV (Tele camera)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/04/20080411_kaguya_e.html#pict01
Photo 2: Full Earth Rising taken by HDTV
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/04/20080411_kaguya_e.html#pict02
Figure 1: Timing of taking the Full Earth-Rise image
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/04/20080411_kaguya_e.html#pict03
Figure 2: Position of HDTV
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/04/20080411_kaguya_e.html#pict04
Reference
Table 1: List of images taken by the HDTV since December 25, 2008
Table 2: Major Characteristics of the HDTV
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/04/20080411_kaguya_e.html#ref01
Mission website:
SELenological and ENgineering Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE)
http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/selene/index_e.html
KAGUYA (SELENE)
http://www.kaguya.jaxa.jp/en/index.htm
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE) Image Taking of "Full Earth-Rise" by HDTV
October 9, 2008
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NHK (Japan
Broadcasting Corporation) successfully captured a movie of the "Full
Earth-Rise"*1 using the onboard High Definition Television (HDTV) of
the lunar explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) on September 30, 2008 (Japan
Standard Time, JST, all the following dates and time are JST.) The
KAGUYA is currently flying in a lunar orbit at an altitude of about
100 km.
An "Earth-rise," or the rising Earth over the Moon, was captured for
the second time following the first movie shooting on April 6, 2008.
The latest success was a very precious moment because it was one of
only two chances in a year for the KAGUYA to capture a Full Earth-Rise
when the orbits of the Moon, the Earth, the Sun and the KAGUYA are all
lined up.
The shooting was performed by the NHK HDTV onboard the KAGUYA. The
movie data was captured at JAXA, then processed by NHK.
*1 The phenomenon expressed as a "Full Earth-Rise" can be seen from a
satellite that fly around the Moon such as the KAGUYA (SELENE) or the
Apollo manned spacecraft. The Earth is almost stationary when it is
observed on the Moon, thus a Full Earth-Rise coming out from the
horizon cannot be seen on the Moon.
Full Earth-rise taken by the KAGUYA HDTV tele camera (480x270px)
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20081009_kaguya_movie01_e.html
Full Earth-set taken by the KAGUYA HDTV wide camera (480x270px)
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20081009_kaguya_movie02_e.html
Full Earth rise and set taken by the KAGUYA HDTV (1280x720px)
http://prcms.s.tokyo.in-jaxa/video/index_e.html
* For watching the 1280x720 high definition image, you need to install
special software (Windows(R)XP for Windows Vista(R).)
* When many people access to the movie at the same time, you may not
be able to replay it.
Full Earth-rise taken by HDTV (Tele camera)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/10/20081009_kaguya_e.html#pict1
The location on the Moon is around the North Pole on the near side at
a north latitude of 74 degrees or higher. You can see Australia on the
lower left and the Eurasian to European Continents and the Arabian
Peninsula in the center to the left of the Earth image.
The "full earth-rise" movie data taken this time cover the areas of
Eurasia, including Japan, Europe and Africa. You can clearly see the
Eurasian Continent and Australia, but clouds cover Japan due to an
Autumnal rain front and a typhoon. The latest movie data was taken
from the KAGUYA flying over the North Pole of the Moon looking at the
Earth with its northern hemisphere upward.
Full Earth-rise taken by HDTV (Tele camera)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/10/20081009_kaguya_e.html#pict2
The Rising Earth from the horizon of the Moon. From left to right, it
took about 40 seconds for the Earth to fully rise.
* The above image was made by cutting out still images from the movie.
Figure 1: Timing of taking the Full Earth-Rise image
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/10/20081009_kaguya_e.html#pict3
The above figure shows the relative positions of the Earth, Moon and
the KAGUYA by setting the Sun at the center viewing from the North
Pole. Black arrows indicate the KAGUYA's orbit around the Moon, and
red arrows are the KAGUYA's moving direction. The green arrows show
the Earth's revolving direction around the Sun.
Figure 2: Position of HDTV
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/10/20081009_kaguya_e.html#pict4
This page URL:
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/10/20081009_kaguya_e.html
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Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
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The high def link appears to have been mangled. You can access it here http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2008/10/20081009_kaguya_e.html if you install their P2P player
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Very interesting summary of the talks held at AGU's conferences about Kaguya's results in the last few months, written by the priceless Emily Lakdawalla from the Planetary Society.
Highlights the successful role of the two relay satellites released shortly after lunar injection, and which follow elliptical orbits so that Kaguya can send its information from the far side, unlike what was possible before. This capability has enabled a far more accurate topographic and gravitometric profiling than anything seen up to now. Interesting read, as I say:
http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00001773/
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According to Emily's blog, one of the two relay subsats Kaguya deployed once in lunar orbit is due to (or has just) crash with the Moon, because of it lacking any means of changing its orbit. This was planned of course.
http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00001836/
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*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE) special edition research reports
published in Science Magazine
February 13, 2009 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japanese lunar explorer KAGUYA (SELENE) has been operating since
nominal operations started in December 2007 to elucidate the origin
and evolution of the Moon. Four KAGUYA research reports using
observation data from the Terrain Camera onboard the KAGUYA and a
perspective titled "Seeing the Missing Half" were published as part of
a KAGUYA special edition in Science Magazine dated February 13, 2009.
This special edition, which is featured on the cover page, is epoch-
making and succeeds the special issues of planetoid explorer "HAYABUSA"
in June 2006 and the solar observation satellite "HINODE" in December
2007.
The titles of the research reports in Science magazine that aim to
provide new knowledge to stimulate the study of the origin and
evolution of the Moon are as follows:
1) Lunar Radar Sounder Observations of Subsurface Layers under the
Nearside Maria* of the Moon
2) Farside Gravity Field of the Moon from the Four-way Doppler
Measurements of the SELENE (Kaguya)
3) The Lunar Global Shape and Polar Topography Derived from Kaguya-
LALT Laser Altimetry
4) The Long-lived Volcanism on the Lunar Farside Revealed by the
SELENE Terrain Camera
* The relay satellite "OKINA (RSTAR)" made an impact on the lunar
surface on February 12, 2009 (JST), and the four-way Doppler
measurement mission was successfully completed.
* Mare (Plural maria): Any of the large and low-lying dark areas on
the Moon. The lunar maria is believed to consist of volcanic basalts.
Reference
Science : http://www.sciencemag.org/magazine.dtl
JAXA SELENE project: http://www.kaguya.jaxa.jp/index_e.htm
NAOJ : http://www.nao.ac.jp/E/index.html/
Tohoku University: http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/english/
Nagoya University: http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/
Kyoto University: http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/
Kyusyu University: http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/index.php
Appendix: Research Reports Titles with Outlines
1) Lunar Radar Sounder Observations of Subsurface Layers under the
Nearside Maria of the Moon
Takayuki Ono*1, Atsushi Kumamoto*1, Hiromu Nakagawa*1, Yasushi
Yamaguchi*2, Shoko Oshigami*2, Atsushi Yamaji*3, Takao Kobayashi*4,
Yoshiya Kasahara*5, Hiroshi Oya*6
*1 Tohoku University, *2 Nagoya University, *3 Kyoto University,
*4 Korea Institute of Geoscience & Mineral Resources, * Kanazawa
Univeristy, *6 Fukui University of Technology
- Radar sounding from the Kaguya spacecraft reveals subsurface layers
at an apparent depth of several hundred meters in nearside maria.
- Comparison with the surface geology in the Serenitatis basin implies
that the prominent echoes are probably from buried regolith layers
accumulated during the depositional hiatus of mare basalts. The
basalts that accumulated during this quiet period have a total
thickness of only a few hundred meters. These observations suggest
that mascon loading did not produce the tectonics in Serenitatis
after 3.55 Ga. Global cooling probably dominated the tectonics after
2.84 Ga.
2) Farside Gravity Field of the Moon from Four-way Doppler Measurements
of SELENE (Kaguya)
Noriyuki Namiki*1, Takahiro Iwata*2, Koji Matsumoto*3, Hideo Hanada*3,
Hirotomo Noda*3, Sander Goossens*3, Mina Ogawa*2, Nobuyuki Kawano*3,
Kazuyoshi Asari*3, Sei-itsu Tsuruta*3, Yoshiaki Ishihara*3, Qinghui
Liu*3, Fuyuhiko Kikuchi*3, Toshiaki Ishikawa*3, Sho Sasaki*3, Chiaki
Aoshima*4, Kosuke Kurosawa*5, Seiji Sugita*5, and Tadashi Takano*6
*1 Kyushu University, *2 JAXA, *3 NAOJ, *4 Fujitsu, *5 Tokyo
University, *6 Nihon University
- The farside gravity field model of the Moon has been improved from
the tracking data of the SELENE via a relay subsatellite "Okina
(Rstar)." The new gravity field model reveals that the farside
impact basins have concentric rings of positive-negative-positive
anomalies unlike plateau-shaped positive anomalies of the nearside
basins, suggesting rigid lithosphere on the farside and compensation
at the crust-mantle boundary on the nearside. Farside basins are
classified into two types depending on the magnitude of the central
gravity high, indicating mantle uplift at a time of impact and
association of mare volcanism with post-impact deformation. The
basin structure possibly reflects the thermal state of the
lithosphere, and gives an important clue to understand the thermal
evolution of the Moon.
3) Lunar Global Shape and Polar Topography Derived from Kaguya-LALT
Laser Altimetry
H. Araki1*, S. Tazawa*1, H. Noda*1, Y. Ishihara*1, S. Goossens*1, S.
Sasaki*1, N. Kawano*1, I. Kamiya*2, H. Otake*3, J. Oberst*4, C. Shum*5
*1 National Astronomical Observatory *2 Geographical Survey Institute,
*3 JAXA, *4 German Aerospace Center, *5 Ohio State University
- A global lunar topographic map with a spatial resolution of finer
than 0.5degree has been derived using data from the laser altimeter
(LALT) onboard the Japanese lunar explorer KAGUYA (SELENE). In a
comparison with the previous Unified Lunar Control Network
(ULCN 2005) model, the new map reveals unbiased lunar topography for
scales finer than a few hundred kilometers. The newly derived lunar
topographic spectrum indicates the lunar crust is rigid enough to
support the surface topography that is rougher than that of the
Earth, which may indicate the drier lithosphere of the Moon than the
Earth.
- The highest point on the Moon is on the southern rim of the
Dirichlet-Jackson basin and the lowest one is in the Antoniadi
crater in the SPAT. The topographic range is about 19.81 km, which
is greater than the ULCN 2005 result that is 17.53 km for the next
highest and lowest points whose positions are generally identical to
our highest and lowest points with differences less than a few
degrees.
4) Long-lived Volcanism on the Lunar Farside Revealed by SELENE
Terrain Camera
Junichi Haruyama 1*, Makiko Ohtake*1, Tsuneo Matsunaga*2, Tomokatsu
Morota*1, Chikatoshi Honda *1, Yasuhiro Yokota*1, Masanao Abe*1,
Yoshiko Ogawa*2, Hideaki Miyamoto*3, Akira Iwasaki*3, Carle M.
Pieters*4, Noriaki Asada*5, Hirohide Demura*5, Naru Hirata*5, Junya
Terazono*5, Sho Sasaki*6, Kazuto Saiki*7, Atsushi Yamaji*8, Masaya
Torii*9, Jean-Luc Josset*10
*1 JAXA, *2 NIES, *3 University of Tokyo, *4 Brown University,
*5 University of Aizu, *6 NAOJ, *7 Osaka University, *8 Kyoto
University, *10 Fujitsu, *11 Space Exploration Institute
- The formation ages of geological units in mare can be determined by
crater counting based on the idea as "a newly created surface will
accumulate craters with time." The Terrain Camera aboard the SELENE
(KAGUYA) provides high resolution (10 m / pixel) images to
sufficiently detect small craters. As a result of crater counting by
TC observation data, several units at various locations including a
part of the Mare* Moscoviense on the lunar farside show their
younger ages, clustering at -2.5 Ga, which were much younger than
previously known on some farside mare units (-3.0 Ga). This result
means "volcanic activity on the lunar farside lasted longer than
previously considered and may have occurred episodically." "The long-
lived farside volcanism" will be an important key factor for
consideration on the lunar thermal evolution.
This page URL:
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/02/20090213_kaguya_e.html
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February 18, 2009 Updated
http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/02/20090218_kaguya_j.html
"KAGUYA" successfully captured Earth's diamond ring
On Feb. 10 (JST), the lunar explorer “KAGUYA” successfully took an image of the moment when the Earth looked like a diamond ring by its onboard high definition camera. The moment came when a penumbral lunar eclipse occurred and the view of the Sun from the KAGUYA was mostly covered by the Earth, thus the earth looked like a diamond ring. This is the first time that this phenomenon was shot from the Moon. (Image: (C) JAXA/NHK)
* A penumbral lunar eclipse is a phenomenon in which the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in tandem, hence the moon is in the Earth's penumbra, or, when you look from the Moon, the Sun is partially covered by the Earth (partial eclipse.) When the phenomenon occurs, the volume of light from the Sun to the Moon decreases, thus the Moon surface looks darker when you look it from the Earth.
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How beautiful, I'd never seen an Earth eclipse from the moon, thank you for the link!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Z00SxC_Vk
Be sure to go to the original YT page for the HD version.
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*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE) Successfully Captures Moving Images of the Earth
at the Time of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse using HDTV
February 18, 2009 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Japan
Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) successfully took moving images of the
precise Earth rise moment when the Earth looked like a diamond ring
using the onboard high definition camera (HDTV) of the lunar explorer
"KAGUYA" (SELENE) on February 10, 2009 (Japan Standard Time, all the
following dates and times are Japan Standard Time.) The moment came
when a penumbral lunar eclipse occurred and sunlight was covered by
the Earth. During that time, since the view of the Sun from the KAGUYA
was mostly covered by the Earth, the KAGUYA observed that the Earth
looked like a diamond ring. This is the first time that this
phenomenon was shot from the Moon.
The images were shot by the HDTV onboard the KAGUYA for space-use
developing by NHK. The moving images were received at JAXA and
processed at NHK.
* A penumbral lunar eclipse is a phenomenon in which the Sun, Earth
and Moon line up in tandem, hence the Moon is in the Earth's penumbra,
or, when you look from the Moon, the Sun is partially covered by the
Earth (partial eclipse.) During this phenomenon, the volume of
sunlight to the Moon decreases, and the Moon's surface looks darker
when you look at the Moon from the Earth. The KAGUYA, which circles
around the Moon on its polar orbit, can witness this phenomenon only
twice a year at most, thus it was very valuable to capture the moving
images of the phenomenon from the KAGUYA.
The Earth by the HDTV (Tele-camera) during the penumbral lunar eclipse
(480x270px)
http://space.jaxa.jp/movie/20090218_kaguya_movie01_e.html
Figure 1 Image of the Earth by the HDTV (Tele-camera) during the
penumbral lunar eclipse
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/02/20090218_kaguya_e.html#pict1
This still image was a cutout from the moving images taken by the
onboard HDTV (tele-camera) of the KAGUYA (SELENE) on February 10, 2009.
The bright part on the lower right side is the Sun and the black area
surrounded by the thin light ring is the Earth. The red dotted line
shows the Moon's surface. Most of the Sun is covered by the Earth and
the Moon's surface.
The contour of the Earth is shining in a ring shape because of the
atmosphere. It scatters in the atmosphere in the periphery of the
Earth, and a part of the sunlight reaches the Moon. The Earth's rim
looks like a blue ring from the Moon since it is thought that the
scattering sunlight with blue color light occurs easily because of the
Earth's atmosphere.
Figure 2 Sequence images of the Earth by the HDTV (Tele-camera)
during the penumbral lunar eclipse
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/02/20090218_kaguya_e.html#pict2
The KAGUYA captured the moving image of the Earth and the Sun
gradually rising from the Moon's surface. The above sequence of images
is a cutout from the moving image to show the rising process.
The image on the far left is just after the Earth rise from the Moon's
surface. It took about 47 seconds to film from the left to the right
when the Sun came out from the Moon's surface and the diamond ring
appeared.
Figure 3 Positions of the KAGUYA, Moon, Earth and Sun when images of
the Earth-rise during the penumbral lunar eclipse
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/02/20090218_kaguya_e.html#pict3
This page URL:
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/02/20090218_kaguya_e.html
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Lower altitude (Perilune) shot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJmT3dPbwHE
KAGUYA (SELENE) taking around "Antoniadi" by HDTV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c1T2oKEffQ
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KAGUYA Lunar Impact
http://www.kaguya.jaxa.jp/en/communication/KAGUYA_Lunar_Impact_e.htm
Last update : Jun, 10, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.(GMT)
Expected KAGUYA impact point
The Japan's lunar explorer "KAGUYA", which is now in the extended operational phase, has been carrying out observations of the Moon from lower altitude since February 1, 2009, to continue observations in more detail.
The "KAGUYA" will conclude its scientific mission to the Moon through a controlled impact on the lunar surface.
Expected impact date : 18:25, June 10, 2009 (GMT) Near side, night time area
Expected impact location : E80.4, S65.5
Lunar phase & age on impact date : 17.3 (London)
Lunar age quotation : NAOJ - Koyomi Station
Japanese probe set to crash into moon - NewScientist
Kaguya impact information available to observers - The Planetary Society
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Time for boom ;)
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Should of crashed by now any word on it or did anyone in the far east see it?
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I do not see it(selene).
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我没有看到.
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nothing since early morning update of estimated impact on JAXA
http://www.kaguya.jaxa.jp/en/index.htm
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KAGUYA Lunar Impact
Impact date 18:25, June 10, 2009 (GMT)
http://www.kaguya.jaxa.jp/en/communication/KAGUYA_Lunar_Impact_e.htm
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Photos of the impact, from the Anglo-Australian telescope in Australia, in SpaceWeather:
http://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=11&month=06&year=2009
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3D image taken by the Terrain Camera (TC) of KAGUYA (SELENE) during its maneuvered falling to the Moon. (C)JAXA/SELENE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxDNWXZpC3g
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*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE)
Last shots captured by the HDTV
June 19, 2009 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Japan
Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) would like to release the final still
images taken by the onboard High Definition Television (HDTV) of the
lunar explorer "KAGUYA" just prior to its maneuvered falling to the
Moon. The images are attached below. The KAGUYA was launched on
September 14, 2007, and was controlled to be dropped to the Moon on
June 11, 2009, as its mission was completed.
The series of continued shots was taken with an interval of about one
minute by the HDTV (Teltephoto) while the KAGUYA was maneuvered to
decrease its altitude toward the impact position (around GILL crater.)
We can see the approaching Moon surface as the KAGUYA went closer to
it. After the final image, the KAGUYA moved into the shaded area to
make its final landing, thus it was pitch dark while taking an image.
This is the very final image shooting of the Moon by the KAGUYA HDTV.
You can enjoy images taken by the KAGUYA HDTV through JAXA Digital
Archives, the KAGUYA Image Gallery, and the JAXA channel on YouTube.
<JAXA Website Digital Archives>
http://jda.jaxa.jp/jda/p1_e.php
(Search by selecting the following: Subject: Observation Images,
Category: Moon and Planet Exploration, Mission: Moon)
<JAXA KAGUYA Image Gallery>
http://wms.selene.jaxa.jp/selene_viewer/index_e.html
<YouTube JAXA Channel>
http://www.youtube.com/jaxachannel
<NHK Website Kaguya Archives>
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/kaguya/archive/index_e.html
Attachment:The very final images taken by the HDTV (Teltephoto)
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/06/20090619_kaguya_hdtv_e.html#at
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I present, the last 6 images took by Kaguya
http://www.parabolicarc.com/2009/06/19/images-kaguya-slamming-moon/
(http://www.parabolicarc.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/kaguya_crash4.jpg)
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The last video from the terrain camera:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxDNWXZpC3g
be sure to go to youtube select HD :o
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*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
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KAGUYA (SELENE) Last shot 3D movie composition using
Terrain Camera Images during controlled impact operation
June 19, 2009 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully produced
stereo movies (3 dimensional movies) of the Moon's surface by using
stereoscopic images obtained with the Terrain Camera (TC) onboard the
KAGUYA just prior to its controlled impact to the Moon on June 11,
2009 (JST). The KAGUYA was launched by JAXA on September 14, 2007.
The movie was composed using TC cameras that respectively face
slightly diagonally forward and aft of the satellite about 12 minutes
prior to the KAGUYA's controlled impact on the Moon. Because the
KAGUYA was in a very lower altitude orbit, the spatial resolution of
3D images taken this time was higher than previously captured data.
Thus we can see the very precious features on the Moon's surface
thanks to this low altitude observation.
After acquiring the data, the KAGUYA flew into the shaded area where
it ultimately hit the Moon, hence it became too dark for the KAGUYA's
optical cameras to capture the Moon's surface data. Therefore,
observation data by one of the TC cameras soon after capturing the
observation data for 3D images were the very last shots of the Moon by
the TC.
On the other hand, the Multi-band Imager (MI) also successfully
obtained final data one revolution before the TC did.
You can enjoy the 3D movie by the TC through the following JAXA
website: Digital Archives, the KAGUYA Image Gallery, and the JAXA
channel on YouTube. We will release KAGUYA processed data for science
research through the Internet from Nov. 1. We will also hold a public
event to report the achievements of the KAGUYA in Akihabara (Tokyo)
between July 18 and 19, 2009.
[JAXA Website Digital Archivs]
http://jda.jaxa.jp/jda/v1_e.php
(Search by selecting the following: Subject: Observation Images,
Category: Moon and Planet Exploration, Mission: Moon)
[JAXA KAGUYA Image Gallery]
http://wms.kaguya.jaxa.jp
[YouTube JAXA Channel]
http://www.youtube.com/jaxachannel
[KAGUYA Public Event Official Website]
http://www.sayonara-kaguya.jp
Attachment
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/06/20090619_kaguya_tcmi_e.html#at
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Kaguya discovers first probable cave skylight on the moon http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00002173/
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A Journey to the distant Moon 2009 - Tracking the SELENE "KAGUYA" - [HD]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3VXS2zAyMM
Documentary film on the SELENE Project Team from the launch of the Lunar Explore "KAGUYA" (SELENE) till its operation completion.
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Kaguya discovers first probable cave skylight on the moon http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00002173/
Chuck Wood on his LPOD site (10-23-09) discussed and showed 3 probable skylights that are part of a rille near Marius. Apparently these are collapse features due to a lava tube just under the surface (which created the rille from the mostly collapsed lava tube - the skylights show on the part of the remaining lava tube surface;all features are linear).
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According to New Scientist
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18030-found-first-skylight-on-the-moon.html
A way has been found into a lava tube;
"The hole measures 65 metres across, and based on images taken at a variety of sun angles, the the hole is thought to extend down at least 80 metres. It sits in the middle of a rille, suggesting the hole leads into a lava tube as wide as 370 metres across."
Instant radiation shelter!
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There are lava tubes on earth as well. As to holes into a lava tube keep in mind the possibility of further collapses to "complete" the rille.
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Rilles are some of the most fascinating and enigmatic features on the lunar surface! This article;
http://www.thunderbolts.info/tpod/2006/arch06/060315rille.htm
details how the features on lunar rilles such as Schroeter’s valley are inexplicable in how counter intuitive their attributes are to what would be expected.
Besides sinuous rilles, there are also Accurate rilles which form sweeping arcs, and straight rilles which may be some type of fault. Rilles are little understood and would be of great interest to geologists if we ever return.
More about rilles from NASA:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap021029.html
As to collapsing lava tubes, we would have little trouble shoring up intact examples using mining and tunneling technology.
edit; corrected spelling
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All those tubes/rilles formed 3+ billion years ago, so the probability of collapse is pretty low. From a radiation perspective, a lava tube is an ideal place for a lunar outpost. Unfortunately, there are none anywhere near any potential polar ice deposits...
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Actually, ice and other volatiles just need a "cold trap" for deposition. Permanently shadowed polar terrain provides such a trap, but conceivably so could an open lava tube...
-the other Doug
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All those tubes/rilles formed 3+ billion years ago, so the probability of collapse is pretty low. From a radiation perspective, a lava tube is an ideal place for a lunar outpost. Unfortunately, there are none anywhere near any potential polar ice deposits...
Keep in mind the moon still has seismic activity. Proof of this in prior times (might not be as relevant today) is all the inner terraces of older craters which are downslips or slides. Newer craters have, of course, smoother interior walls.
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Keep in mind the moon still has seismic activity. Proof of this in prior times (might not be as relevant today) is all the inner terraces of older craters which are downslips or slides. Newer craters have, of course, smoother interior walls.
Actually, most crater wall slumping occurs relatively quicky after the crater is formed. The young/old effect is probably due to larger craters (more likely to have slumped walls) are mostly older than smaller craters.
There are moonquakes, they're just very low intensity...
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There are moonquakes, they're just very low intensity...
Except those generated by large impacts, which could also explain some of the young/old difference.
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According to New Scientist
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18030-found-first-skylight-on-the-moon.html
A way has been found into a lava tube;
"The hole measures 65 metres across, and based on images taken at a variety of sun angles, the the hole is thought to extend down at least 80 metres. It sits in the middle of a rille, suggesting the hole leads into a lava tube as wide as 370 metres across."
Instant radiation shelter!
Not to mention protection from the severe temperature swings.
But I am wondering how accessible the lava tube interior is. Doesn't look like a gentle slope, rather a vertical drop into the entrance.
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http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2009/11/20091102_kaguya_e.html
Public release of KAGUYA (SELENE) data archives
November 2, 2009 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) released data from the lunar explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) (L2 products) during the nominal operation phase (from December 21, 2007 to October 31, 2008) to the public through the Internet.
L2 products are calibrated/validated processed data from KAGUYA science mission instruments. By using the L2 products, researchers all over the world are expected to advance the scientific analysis and applicability investigation of the Moon.
"KAGUYA 3D Moon NAVI" services, which can show KAGUYA data using a three-dimension geographic information system (WebGIS) through the Internet, have also commenced. The developed software is based on NASA "World Wind" and the KAGUYA's images and data can be displayed using the 3D map projection function. It is necessary to download and install the free software. Please refer to the following homepage for details.
L2 products during the extended operational phase (until June 2009) are scheduled to be released after processing and calibration/validation are finished.
[ KAGUYA(SELENE) Data Archive ]
https://www.soac.selene.isas.jaxa.jp/archive/index.html.en
[ KAGUYA 3D Moon NAVI ]
http://wms.selene.jaxa.jp/3dmoon/index.html
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http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/091231-moon-hole-lava-tube.html
The moon may not be made of Swiss cheese, but it appears to have at least one deep hole, a vertical skylight that could serve as a protective lunar base for future astronauts.
"We discovered a vertical hole on the moon," an international team of scientists recently announced.
The gaping, dark pit on the near side of the moon is as big as a city block and deep as a modest skyscraper. The hole is nearly circular, about 213 feet (65 meters) across with a depth of 262 to 289 feet (80-88 meters). It is thought to be a collapsed lava tube, created perhaps billions of years ago when the moon was warmer and volcanically active. The moon, overall, is more than 4 billion years old.
The discovery, detailed in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in October, was made using data from the moon-orbiting Japanese SELENE spacecraft. It was not widely reported at the time, and the journal announced it today. The work was led by Junichi Haruyama of the Japanese Space Agency JAXA.
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Picture
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/space/01/01/moon.lava.hole/
More important, the scientists say, the hole is protected from the moon's harsh temperatures and meteorite strikes by a thin sheet of lava. That makes the tube a good candidate for further exploration or possible inhabitation, the article says.
"Lunar lava tubes are a potentially important location for a future lunar base, whether for local exploration and development, or as an outpost to serve exploration beyond the Moon," writes the team, led by Junichi Haruyama, a senior researcher with the Japanese space agency JAXA.
"Any intact lava tube could serve as a shelter from the severe environment of the lunar surface, with its meteorite impacts, high-energy UV radiation and energetic particles, and extreme diurnal temperature variations."
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Does anybody know the current status of the Ouna (VRAD) satellite? Kaguya and Okina impacted the lunar surface, but despite its low orbit I haven't heard a report of Ouna impacting - is it still operational? Unfortunately the 'where is Kaguya now' app that used to be on the JAXA website doesn't seem to exist anymore.
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BBC News: "Japanese Kaguya probe saw deep Moon rock".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/science_and_environment/10511064.stm
Scientists report in Nature Geoscience that it [Kaguya] saw exposures of rocks rich in the mineral olivine in concentric rings around craters.
They suggest that large impacts could have penetrated the Moon's outer crust, bringing into view the mantle olivine stored just below the surface.
The observations are said to fit well with ideas about how the Moon formed.
Current theory holds that Earth was hit by a Mars-sized body early in the evolution of the Solar System, and that the debris thrown into space by this impact coalesced into the Moon.
The sequence of mineral crystallisation in this ball of molten rock would have seen olivine (a magnesium iron silicate) produced before more dense materials, causing it to sink deep into the interior.
But this then led to a gravitationally unstable body with those more dense materials eventually displacing the olivine. As a consequence, the Moon's mantle, it is hypothesised, underwent an "overturning", in which the olivine was transferred to just below the crust.
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Japanese press release.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2010/07/20100705_kaguya_j.html
Rich olivine area are shown red dot.
English press release was released.
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2010/07/20100705_kaguya_e.html
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Detection of intact lunar lava tubes in the data from SELENE (Kaguya) radar sounding
http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/en/topics/001159.html
Intact lava tube found on Moon (Related NSF topic)
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44020.0