ESA sent a TIE fighter G4 Cube to the Moon
Well, not really. But since the SMART-1 probe looks like a tricked-out Mac with an ion-drive engine and solar-panel wings, I couldn't help but make that assessment. I should point out that the spacecraft is probably 1000 times larger than Apple's cute little computer.
What actually surpised me about this is that I hadn't heard of this mission until a few hours ago. SMART-1 was launched in September 2003. It slowly wound its way around the Earth in ever-widening orbits for the next 13 months. SMART-1 began to orbit the Moon in November 2004.
"The main purpose of the SMART-1 mission is to flight-test the new solar-electric propulsion technology -– a kind of solar-powered thruster that is 10 times more efficient than the usual chemical systems employed when travelling in space. If all goes well, such a system could be providing the propulsion system for future ESA missions into deep space, such as BepiColombo.
"However, in the process, the mission will be providing some fascinating science. For example, SMART-1 will be mapping the lunar surface chemical composition more accurately than ever before. Apollo spacecraft carried hand-held cameras to photograph the lunar surface. SMART-1 will be leading the way in the latest imaging techniques. Images taken from many different angles and X-ray and infrared detection work will allow scientists to draw up new three-dimensional models of the Moon's surface.
"SMART-1 will be looking at the darker parts of the Moon's south pole for the first time. It will be mapping the so-called Peak of Eternal Light, a mountaintop that is permanently bathed in sunlight, while all around are dark craters never touched by the Sun. These craters are believed to harbour water-ice in the lunar soil. SMART-1 will also help scientists to confirm if ice is present at the lunar poles, where the temperature never rises above –170°C. Any water on the lunar surface would be very helpful in the creation of permanent bases on the Moon."
One more thing:
"Some viewers of SMART-1 pictures of the Moon's surface have reported problems in seeing the craters for what they are. They see reliefs and mountains where instead there should be depressions and valleys.
"Look at these two images. They are both the same, except one appears to have 'raised' features rather than craters. This is a common illusion, and can be explained by the fact that we humans have been used to light sources which generally come from above (the Sun mostly, in our case).
"When the light source comes from above, the pattern of illuminated and dark areas is predictable. For a crater in front of us, with light coming from behind, we see the rim nearest us 'in shade' and the rim farther away from us 'in the light.' For a mountain it is opposite: the mountain wall towards us is illuminated and the other mountain wall is in the shade.
"When you turn this pattern upside down (or rotate by 180 degrees), your eyes suddenly see a crater as a 'mountain' and vice versa. However, this effect is not exactly the same for all people, as our brains use experience to correct our perception."
What actually surpised me about this is that I hadn't heard of this mission until a few hours ago. SMART-1 was launched in September 2003. It slowly wound its way around the Earth in ever-widening orbits for the next 13 months. SMART-1 began to orbit the Moon in November 2004.
"The main purpose of the SMART-1 mission is to flight-test the new solar-electric propulsion technology -– a kind of solar-powered thruster that is 10 times more efficient than the usual chemical systems employed when travelling in space. If all goes well, such a system could be providing the propulsion system for future ESA missions into deep space, such as BepiColombo.
"However, in the process, the mission will be providing some fascinating science. For example, SMART-1 will be mapping the lunar surface chemical composition more accurately than ever before. Apollo spacecraft carried hand-held cameras to photograph the lunar surface. SMART-1 will be leading the way in the latest imaging techniques. Images taken from many different angles and X-ray and infrared detection work will allow scientists to draw up new three-dimensional models of the Moon's surface.
"SMART-1 will be looking at the darker parts of the Moon's south pole for the first time. It will be mapping the so-called Peak of Eternal Light, a mountaintop that is permanently bathed in sunlight, while all around are dark craters never touched by the Sun. These craters are believed to harbour water-ice in the lunar soil. SMART-1 will also help scientists to confirm if ice is present at the lunar poles, where the temperature never rises above –170°C. Any water on the lunar surface would be very helpful in the creation of permanent bases on the Moon."
One more thing:
"Some viewers of SMART-1 pictures of the Moon's surface have reported problems in seeing the craters for what they are. They see reliefs and mountains where instead there should be depressions and valleys.
"Look at these two images. They are both the same, except one appears to have 'raised' features rather than craters. This is a common illusion, and can be explained by the fact that we humans have been used to light sources which generally come from above (the Sun mostly, in our case).
"When the light source comes from above, the pattern of illuminated and dark areas is predictable. For a crater in front of us, with light coming from behind, we see the rim nearest us 'in shade' and the rim farther away from us 'in the light.' For a mountain it is opposite: the mountain wall towards us is illuminated and the other mountain wall is in the shade.
"When you turn this pattern upside down (or rotate by 180 degrees), your eyes suddenly see a crater as a 'mountain' and vice versa. However, this effect is not exactly the same for all people, as our brains use experience to correct our perception."
ESA sent a TIE fighter G4 Cube to the Moon
mr damon, 04:51
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