The mission addresses the physical processes at work on Earth-like planets and their evolution. The moon is a geophysical laboratory where impacts, volcanism, tectonics and effects of space weather can be studied to put together the story of the Moon’s past. The geochemistry and thus the origins of the Moon, the evolution of the Earth-Moon system and the bombardment of the inner solar system are topics addressed under lunar formation and evolution.

Apart from studying the collected data, know-how from SMART-1 is helping prepare the ground for future science and exploration missions. With its unrivalled resolution in colour and various illumination angles, the satellite has mapped the polar regions, surveyed lunar resources and investigated potential landing sites and outposts.

Credits: ESA/SPACE-X (Space Exploration Institute)

The images were taken between 16:55 and 17:34 CEST (14:55-15:34 UT). The sequences show the surface of the Moon passing under SMART-1 during the final orbits and show what a passenger on board the spacecraft would have seen shortly before impact and destruction.

Credits: ESA/SPACE-X (Space Exploration Institute)

The images were taken between 16:55 and 17:34 CEST (14:55-15:34 UT). The sequences show the surface of the Moon passing under SMART-1 during the final orbits and show what a passenger on board the spacecraft would have seen shortly before impact and destruction.

Credits: ESA/SPACE-X (Space Exploration Institute)

This mosaic is valuable as it shows illumination conditions at the region. It is important to understand global illumination conditions to help in planning the location of future landing sites and, later, possible bases, on the Moon.

Credits: ESA/SPACE-X (Space Exploration Institute)