To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Equuleus project team This far side of the moon is seen in this photo taken from the lunar probe Equuleus.
The Yomiuri Shimbun
16:22 JST, November 27, 2022
Japan’s small lunar probe Equuleus has entered its scheduled orbit, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Equuleus is a water-fueled probe. It was launched Nov. 16 on a NASA rocket together with Omotenashi, which tried but failed to become the nation’s first moon lander.
According to JAXA, Equuleus entered its scheduled orbit after approaching the moon early Tuesday, and will reach its destination point behind the moon from the Earth in about 18 months.
Equuleus is heading for what is called a Lagrange point, a location in space where the balance of gravitational forces will allow it to remain in place. JAXA has said this is a suitable spot for building a logistics base around the moon in the future.
“We hope to test the technology for reaching this point using less fuel,” JAXA said.
During its approach, Equuleus succeeded in photographing the opposite side of the moon from an altitude of 5,550 kilometers. The photo clearly showed the boundary between day and night, and numerous craters on the moon.
