![]() ![]() Originally slated for launch in 2003 but delayed to 2007 due to problems with the H-II launch vehicle, the probe was launched into a highly elliptical parking orbit of about 175 x 144,800 miles (282 × 232,960 kilometers). ![]() Upon launch, they were renamed Okina and Ouna, which mean “honorable elderly man” and “honorable elderly woman,” respectively. These were the Relay Satellite (Rstar) and the VRAD satellite (Vstar). In addition to the main orbiter, Kaguya, the mission included two small spin-stabilized sub-satellites, each weighing about 117 pounds (53 kilograms). The Japanese called it “the largest lunar mission since the Apollo program.” The mission’s goal was to orbit the Moon to collect data on the origins and geological evolution of Earth’s only natural satellite, to study the lunar surface environment, and to carry out radio science experiments. It was renamed Kaguya, or Moon Princess, after launch as a result of a public poll. SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer) was Japan’s second lunar probe. Differential VLBI Radio Source Experiment (VRAD) Four-way Doppler Measurements By Relay Satellite And Main Orbiter Transponder (RSAT)ġ4. Upper Atmosphere And Plasma Imager (UPI)ġ3. Plasma Energy Angle And Composition Experiment (PACE)ġ2. Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, Yoshinobu Launch Complex 1ġ0. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA ) The mission carried to small satellites: Okina and Ouna, which mean “honorable elderly man” and “honorable elderly woman,” respectively.Kaguya is Japanese for "Moon Princess.".Kaguya created the most detailed topographical model to date.Kaguya, originally named SELENE ( Selenological and Engineering Explorer) was Japan's second mission to Explore the Moon from orbit. ![]()
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