Lunar craters, SMART-1

Europe explores the Moon

Since ancient times, mankind has studied the Moon; however it still holds many secrets as to how it formed and what it is made of.

ESA’s Smart-1 was launched in 2003 to reveal some of these mysteries by using an innovative electric propulsion engine powered by solar energy.

Scientists all over the world are now analysing over three years of data, including the best surface images ever taken from lunar orbit and accurate information of the Moon’s mineral composition.

One of the most exciting discoveries of Smart-1 is an area constantly exposed to the Sun’s rays. This could serve as a base for future manned missions to the Moon.

For more information on this SMART-1 image, please click on the following link: Lunar craters.