
SEOUL, 5 August (BelTA - Yonhap) - South Korea's unmanned lunar orbiter
Danuri has completed a comprehensive map of the moon's surface in
another milestone in the country's space exploration project, the space
agency said Tuesday.
The orbiter, equipped with a wide-angle polarimetric camera, has produced the world's fourth full map of the lunar surface using visible light, according to the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA).
It is now collecting data to generate a polarization map of the moon's surface, the agency added.
Danuri, launched in August 2022, is scheduled to carry out its mission through 2027, identifying potential landing sites for future lunar missions planned for 2032.
Since its launch, more than 30 research papers have been published at home and abroad based on data collected by Danuri.
"Data gathered by Danuri will assist in identifying landing sites for a lunar lander and deepen our understanding of the moon's environment, while also enhancing the role of local researchers in international projects," said Kang Kyung-In, director of space exploration at the agency.
"By extending Danuri's mission, we aim to maximize its scientific achievements and broaden the scope of our space exploration efforts," Kang added.
The orbiter, equipped with a wide-angle polarimetric camera, has produced the world's fourth full map of the lunar surface using visible light, according to the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA).
It is now collecting data to generate a polarization map of the moon's surface, the agency added.
Danuri, launched in August 2022, is scheduled to carry out its mission through 2027, identifying potential landing sites for future lunar missions planned for 2032.
Since its launch, more than 30 research papers have been published at home and abroad based on data collected by Danuri.
"Data gathered by Danuri will assist in identifying landing sites for a lunar lander and deepen our understanding of the moon's environment, while also enhancing the role of local researchers in international projects," said Kang Kyung-In, director of space exploration at the agency.
"By extending Danuri's mission, we aim to maximize its scientific achievements and broaden the scope of our space exploration efforts," Kang added.