• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • NEWS:
  • SatNews
  • SatMagazine
  • MilSatMagazine
  • SmallSat News
  • |     EVENTS:
  • SmallSat Symposium
  • Satellite Innovation
  • MilSat Symposium
  • SmallSat Europe

SatNews

Satellite Industry Intelligence Since 1983

Subscribe
  • LATEST
  • SatNews Events
  • Magazines
  • Calendar
  • Subscribe
  • Missions & Constellations
    • Exploration & Science Missions
    • In-Orbit Servicing & Orbital Operations
    • LEO Constellations
    • Mission Autonomy & Onboard Systems
    • Mission Deployments & Manifests
    • Navigation & PNT
    • SmallSat
    • Spacecraft & Payload Technology
    View All in Missions & Constellations →
    Viasat Completes ViaSat-3 Constellation with Successful Flight 3 LaunchViasat Completes ViaSat-3 Constellation with Successful Flight 3 Launch
    GMV to Lead Mission Planning for ESA’s Next-Generation Copernicus ExpansionGMV to Lead Mission Planning for ESA’s Next-Generation Copernicus Expansion
    Canada Tightens Re-entry Regulations as SpaceX Starlink Constellations DescendCanada Tightens Re-entry Regulations as SpaceX Starlink Constellations Descend
    The waiver was the policy. Thursday is the paperwork.The waiver was the policy. Thursday is the paperwork.
  • Business
    • Contracts & Commercial Deals
    • Earnings & Financial Reporting
    • Events & Conferences
    • Funding & Venture Capital
    • Market Forecasts
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Personnel Moves & Appointments
    View All in Business & Finance →
    SmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Jorge Ciccorossi, ITU Radiocommunications BureauSmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Jorge Ciccorossi, ITU Radiocommunications Bureau
    SmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Koen Willems, ST Engineering iDirect EuropeSmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Koen Willems, ST Engineering iDirect Europe
    U.S. Commercial Service to Host “Future in Orbit” Networking Event at SpaceBR 2026U.S. Commercial Service to Host “Future in Orbit” Networking Event at SpaceBR 2026
    SmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Dr. Jakob Stöber, McKinsey & CompanySmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Dr. Jakob Stöber, McKinsey & Company
  • Defense
    • Counterspace & ASAT
    • Defense Budgets & Procurement
    • ISR & Reconnaissance
    • MILSATCOM
    • Missile Warning & Defense
    • National Security Programs
    • Space Domain Awareness
    View All in Military & Defense →
    BAE Systems Enters Production for NavGuide M-Code GPS ReceiverBAE Systems Enters Production for NavGuide M-Code GPS Receiver
    Space Force Awards $3.2 Billion in Golden Dome Contracts for Orbital Interceptor ConstellationSpace Force Awards $3.2 Billion in Golden Dome Contracts for Orbital Interceptor Constellation
    USSF Finalizes GPS III Constellation with Successful SV-10 DeploymentUSSF Finalizes GPS III Constellation with Successful SV-10 Deployment
    Meink: Space Force Programs Ready to Execute Once FY27 Budget LandsMeink: Space Force Programs Ready to Execute Once FY27 Budget Lands
  • Gov
    • Export Controls & Compliance
    • International Space Agreements
    • National Space Policy
    • Space Law & Treaties
    • Space Sustainability & Debris Policy
    • Space Traffic Management / Debris Removal
    View All in Government & Regulation →
    SmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Tanja Masson-Zwaan, Leiden UniversitySmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Tanja Masson-Zwaan, Leiden University
    How CubeSat Proliferation is Redefining Sovereignty and Diplomatic Leverage at the United NationsHow CubeSat Proliferation is Redefining Sovereignty and Diplomatic Leverage at the United Nations
    FCC Modernization of Spectrum Rules Unlocks Sevenfold Gain in Satellite CapacityFCC Modernization of Spectrum Rules Unlocks Sevenfold Gain in Satellite Capacity
    The Smartest Money in the Room Is Looking UpThe Smartest Money in the Room Is Looking Up
  • Launch
    • Launch Providers
    • Launch Schedule & Calendars
    • Launch Sites & Infrastructure
    • Rocket Technology & Vehicles
    View All in Launch →
    FAA Grounds Blue Origin Following New Glenn Upper Stage Failure and Facility AnomalyFAA Grounds Blue Origin Following New Glenn Upper Stage Failure and Facility Anomaly
    NanoAvionics to Launch Trio of Milestone Payloads on SpaceX CAS500-2 MissionNanoAvionics to Launch Trio of Milestone Payloads on SpaceX CAS500-2 Mission
    Astrobotic Achieves Record 300-Second Burn with New Detonation EngineAstrobotic Achieves Record 300-Second Burn with New Detonation Engine
    Bad news, but good news followedBad news, but good news followed
  • Software
    • Autonomous Ground Operations
    • Data Processing & AI/ML
    • Digital Twins & Modeling
    • Ground Segment & Teleports
    • Mission Planning & Simulation
    • Space Systems Software Engineering
    • Spectrum & Licensing
    View All in Software Automation & Ground Systems →
    Global Invacom Secures Exclusive Worldwide Distribution for Prodelin Antenna RangeGlobal Invacom Secures Exclusive Worldwide Distribution for Prodelin Antenna Range
    SmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto, Leaf SpaceSmallSat Europe Speaker Focus: Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto, Leaf Space
    SpinLaunch Selects Equinix to Deploy Global Ground Infrastructure for Meridian Space ConstellationSpinLaunch Selects Equinix to Deploy Global Ground Infrastructure for Meridian Space Constellation
    RF-Design Launches FiberLink CompactLine FCLR1811S4 for Ground Segment OptimizationRF-Design Launches FiberLink CompactLine FCLR1811S4 for Ground Segment Optimization
  • Services & Apps
    • Climate & Environmental Monitoring
    • Disaster Response & Security Mapping
    • Earth Observation & Imaging
    • Maritime & Aviation Satcom
    • Satellite Communications
    View All in Services & Applications →
    Solstar Confirms Successful On-Orbit Operation of Deke Space Communicator Following Launch on SpaceX Transporter-16 MissionSolstar Confirms Successful On-Orbit Operation of Deke Space Communicator Following Launch on SpaceX Transporter-16 Mission
    IEC Telecom Unveils Voucher-Based Connectivity Solution at Singapore Maritime Week 2026IEC Telecom Unveils Voucher-Based Connectivity Solution at Singapore Maritime Week 2026
    GomSpace and STETMAN Establish UASAT Joint Venture for Ukrainian Sovereign CommunicationsGomSpace and STETMAN Establish UASAT Joint Venture for Ukrainian Sovereign Communications
    Market Dynamics and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) ChipsetsMarket Dynamics and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Chipsets

Lunar SMARTs For ESA

February 12, 2008

MART-1 Advanced Moon Imaging Experiment (AMIE) has now collected a number of images of the lunar south-polar region. They have provided unprecedented spatial resolution. These images were collected over a year of changing seasons and are used to study the various levels of solar illumination on the Moon’s surface. They will also provide tools to assist planners in focusing on suitable study sites for future lunar exploration missions. The orientation of the lunar rotation axis is such that the Sun just about grazes the lunar poles, leaving some regions permanently shadowed.

Shackleton crater is located in the inner ring of the south pole Aitken basin, the largest known impact basin in the solar system with a diameter of 2600 km. The south pole is located on the rim of Shackleton crater. SMART-1 took images around the crater, which is a strong contender for a future robotic and human exploration site and for a permanent human base. The polar mosaics show geological features of interest within reach from the south pole. Monitoring of the illumination of selected polar sites has allowed scientists to confirm that a ridge located 10 km from the Shackleton rim is prominently illuminated, and could be a strong contender for a potential future lunar outpost. The large number of impact craters in the area indicates that the terrain is ancient. An example is crater Amundsen, 105 km in diameter, lying 100 km from the pole. It shows central peaks and asymmetric terraces that deserve geological and geochemistry studies. The south polar mosaics, SMART-1 highlights, and results on the geology and illumination of Shackleton crater are being presented and discussed by the SMART-1 AMIE team and collaborators at the 39th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference at League City, Texas between 11-12 March 2008.

Filed Under: Exploration & Science Missions

Primary Sidebar

Coverage

  • Missions & Constellations
  • Business & Finance
  • Military & Defense
  • Launch
  • Software Automation & Ground Systems
  • Government & Regulation
  • Services & Applications

Most Read Stories

  • Planet Labs Imposes Indefinite Blackout on Iran Satellite Imagery at U.S. Request
  • What the SpaceX IPO Changes for Every Satellite Operator
  • Amazon in Reported Talks to Acquire Globalstar in $9 Billion Move to Challenge Starlink
  • Russia Replaces Starlink With European-Built Satellites
  • The Downlink Deficit: The Pentagon's Optical Mesh Network and the Terrestrial Bottleneck

Secondary Sidebar

Footer

 

Satnews is a leading provider of satellite news, events, publications, research and other satellite industry information in both commercial and military enterprises worldwide.

Stories By Category

  • Business & Finance
  • Government & Regulation
  • Launch
  • Military & Defense
  • Missions & Constellations
  • Services & Applications
  • Software Automation & Ground Systems
  • Spectrum & Licensing
  • Startups & NewSpace Business

About Us

  • Leadership & Editorial Team
  • SatNews History
  • Free Satnews Subscription
  • SatNews Events
  • Magazines

Navigation

  • Latest Stories
  • Magazines
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Cookie & Privacy Policy for Satnews

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
x
Sign up Now (For Free)
Access daily or weekly satellite news updates covering all aspects of the commercial and military satellite industry.
Invalid email address
Notify Me Regarding ( At least one ):
We value your privacy and will not sell or share your email or other information with any other company. You may also unsubscribe at anytime.

Click Here to see our full privacy policy.
Thanks for subscribing!