South Korea’s spacecraft, Danuri, enters lunar orbit earlier than planned
Seoul, Dec 28 (EFE).- South Korea’s uncrewed spacecraft Danuri entered lunar orbit earlier than planned, the science ministry said on Wednesday.
The gravity of the moon captured the Danuri spacecraft, also known as the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter, on Tuesday.
The spacecraft launched in August aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is the first South Korean mission outside of earth’s orbit, ushering the country into a new era of space research.
The voyage to the moon involves undertaking scientific activities for nearly a year.
It will measure terrain, magnetic force, gamma rays, and other features of the lunar surface using six onboard instruments.
The probe has a cubic shape and carries two wings of solar panels to charge the energy it uses.
It also has a satellite dish mounted on one of its arms. Its unladen weight is 550 kg.
If Danuri succeeds, South Korea will join the club of nations that have carried out lunar landings or moon exploration missions.
The countries include the United States, China, Japan, India, the European Union, and the former Soviet Union. EFE
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