Satellite reaches lunar orbit
Japan has placed a satellite in orbit around the moon for the first time, officials said, achieving a major space breakthrough for the Asian nation.
The $279-million Selenological and Engineering Explorer is the most ambitious lunar mission and the largest in scope since the U.S. Apollo program.
The Japanese mission involves placing the main satellite in orbit at an altitude of about 60 miles and deploying two smaller satellites in polar orbits.
Researchers will use data gathered by the probes to study the moon’s origin and evolution.
The main orbiter is expected to stay in position for about a year.
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