SELENE Mission Status
- Paper number
IAC-07-A3.6.A.05
- Author
Prof. Susumu Sasaki, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan
- Coauthor
Prof. Manabu Kato, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Yoshisada Takizawa, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/ISAS, Japan
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The Moon-orbiting SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer) will be launched in summer 2007. The spacecraft consists of a main orbiting satellite at about 100 km altitude in the polar orbit and two sub-satellites in the higher elliptical orbits. The major objectives of the mission are to obtain scientific data of the lunar origin and evolution, and to develop technologies for the future lunar exploration. The scientific data are also used for exploring the possibility of the future utilization of the Moon. The total mass of mission instruments is about 300 kg. The nominal mission period will be one year. SELENE carries the instruments for scientific investigation, including mapping of lunar topography and surface composition, measurement of the gravity and magnetic fields, and observation of lunar and solar-terrestrial plasma environment. The element abundances are measured by x-ray and gamma-ray spectrometers. Alpha particle spectrometer is used to detect the radiation from the radon gas and polonium. The mineralogical characterization is performed by a multiband-spectrum imager at a high spatial resolution. The mineralogical composition can be identified by a spectral profiler, a continuous spectral analyzer in visible and near infrared bands. The surface topographic data are obtained by high resolution stereo cameras and a laser altimeter. The subsurface structure is probed by the radar sounder experiment. Doppler tracking of the orbiter via the relay sub-satellite when the orbiter is in the far side is planned for the study of gravimetry and geodesy. A magnetometer and electron detectors provide data on the lunar surface magnetic field. Radio sources on the two sub-satellites are used to conduct the differential VLBI observation from ground stations. In addition to the study of the origin and evolution of the Moon, measurement of the lunar environment and observation of the solar-terrestrial plasma environment are also planned in the mission. The study of the lunar environment includes the measurement of high energy particles, electromagnetic field, and plasma. For the solar-terrestrial plasma observation, the orbiter carries imaging instruments to observe the dynamic structure of the earth plasma environment and the aurora. High-sensitivity wave receivers are used to detect the planetary radiation from the Jupiter and Saturn. For publicity and educational purposes, high-resolution TV cameras are onboard to observe the Earth from the Moon orbit.
- Abstract document