NASA has planned a mission to moon which will find evidence of water on its surface. It has developed Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS mission. It will comprise the observation of an event coordinated by the equipments on earth as well as in space.
The purpose of the mission (LCROSS) is to make search for water ice on the lunar surface by making an impact of Centaur rocket on a particular spot on the moon called Cabeus. It is the southern pole of the moon and always remains in darkness as sunlight does not approach that region. Scientists are hoping a very disastrous impact on the lunar surface which will convert the target spot in to debris with the expected existence of water underneath.
The LCROSS mission comprises not only the impact by Centaur but also a spacecraft which will accompany the rocket to observe the consequences of the impact of Centaur on the lunar surface. Not only scientists and relevant people but also general public is very eagerly looking forward to the impending impact consequent upon evidence of water on the lunar surface.
The sky-watchers are keen to observe the impact and resultant tossing up of debris which could be of 20km wide and around 8-15km in height above the lunar surface. Such a huge impact is expected to be seen by amateur observers.
Jennifer Heldmann the space official for the LCROSS Observation Campaign said “This may be greatest event that’s been observed for a NASA mission in recent memory”.
LCROSS Mission
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