Can Japan's H2-A Rocket Deliver a Precision-Lander to the Moon? (msn.com) 9
The Washington Post reports:
Japan launched a lunar mission Thursday, overcoming multiple failures and delays to become the fifth country to head to the moon — just weeks after India — in a global race to better understand Earth's closest neighbor... It is scheduled to enter the moon's orbit in three to four months and land early next year.
The rocket is carrying two space missions: a new X-ray telescope to help scientists better understand the origins of the universe and a lightweight high-precision moon lander that will serve as the basis for future moon landing technology. The telescope separated at 8:56 a.m., and the moon lander separated at 9:29 a.m...
Japan has made several attempts to reach the moon, including its Omotenashi project to land an ultrasmall probe. In November, Japan abandoned the project after failing to restore communications with the spacecraft. Earlier this year, Tokyo-based space company ispace also pulled the plug on the first Japanese private-sector attempt to land on the moon.
Japan's high-precision lander hopes to land within 328 feet (100 meters) of its target — which the article says it "much closer than conventional lunar landers, which usually have an accuracy of several kilometers."
The rocket is carrying two space missions: a new X-ray telescope to help scientists better understand the origins of the universe and a lightweight high-precision moon lander that will serve as the basis for future moon landing technology. The telescope separated at 8:56 a.m., and the moon lander separated at 9:29 a.m...
Japan has made several attempts to reach the moon, including its Omotenashi project to land an ultrasmall probe. In November, Japan abandoned the project after failing to restore communications with the spacecraft. Earlier this year, Tokyo-based space company ispace also pulled the plug on the first Japanese private-sector attempt to land on the moon.
Japan's high-precision lander hopes to land within 328 feet (100 meters) of its target — which the article says it "much closer than conventional lunar landers, which usually have an accuracy of several kilometers."
Yes (Score:5, Insightful)
Next question.
Re:Yes (Score:4, Informative)
No, it would obviously violate the law.
Betteridge's law of headlines with a question mark, the answer is always 'No'.
Re: (Score:2)
In this case we know the answer is yes. Japan has sent stuff to the moon before with these rockets. It's only the landing part that is new, but the rocket isn't used for that.
That's not the question (Score:2)
The question is whether it weighs less than the American model, costs less, has more features and better support.
That's not anymore as much a given as it used to be, sadly.
Inside scoop (Score:4, Funny)
Re: (Score:2)
Get off my moon!
Re: (Score:2)
I'm already deep up inside your moon already. Feel me.
Of course... but... (Score:3)
The real question is will it deliver the lander at speed of 1m per second or 1km per second. They are both landings but the lander starts acting nervous when you talk about the latter.