SMART-1 (Small Missions for Advanced Research and Technology), was launched by the European Space Agency on September 27, 2003 via an Ariane-5 rocket. SMART-1 is only the second ion-drive craft ever deployed. Its current status is in a wide transitory orbit around the moon.
The spacecraft’s mission will be “to map and study the Moon in great detail.” After 16 months of transitory orbit, SMART-1 will approach the moon close enough to enter lunar orbit and begin its observations and data collections. In particular, the craft will study the Peak of Eternal Light, look for evidence of ice and explore some of the darker regions of the moon. This trip marks the European Space Agency’s first probe to the moon.
Another aspect of this mission will likely be its further validation and refinement of the ion drive for near and deep space exploration. This particular engine is powered by xenon gas and solar energy.
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This entry also posted in the American Military University Introduction to Astronomy newsgroup.