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SMART-1's bridge to the future exploration of the Moon

9 March 2007

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Artist's impression of ESA's SMART-1 mission at the Moon. SMART-1 was launched in September 2003, and arrived to the Moon on 15 November 2004, after a long spiralling around during which it tested new technologies, including solar-electric propulsion for future applications in interplanetary travels. The mission ended through lunar impact on 3 September 2006.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

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This artist's impression shows the location of the SMART-1 impact on the Moon surface, expected for 3 September 2006 at 07:41 CEST (05:41 UT), with an uncertainty of plus or minus 7 hours, due to the unknown lunar topography.

The expected coordinate for impact are 36.44º south of latitude and 46.25º west of longitude.. The impact site will be on the lunar area called ‘Lake of Excellence’, located at mid-southern latitudes. This area is very interesting from the scientific point of view. It is a volcanic plane area surrounded by highlands, but also characterised by ground heterogeneities.

Credits: ESA - C. Carreau

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