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NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
Northrop Grumman · High-Resolution Lunar Mapping Orbiter · USA · Digital Age (2010–present)
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is a NASA robotic spacecraft currently orbiting the Moon in an eccentric polar mapping orbit. Data collected by LRO have been described as essential for planning NASA's future human and robotic missions to the Moon. Its detailed mapping program is identifying safe landing sites, locating potential resources on the Moon, characterizing the radiation environment, and demonstrating new technologies.
Specifications
- Category
- Space
- Sub-Category
- Satellite
- Domain
- Civil
- Era
- Digital Age (2010–present)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Northrop Grumman
- Operator
- NASA
- Primary Role
- High-Resolution Lunar Mapping Orbiter
- Status
- Active
- Service Entry
- 2009
- Propulsion
- Rocket
- Engine
- Hydrazine monopropellant main engine (100 N)
- Thrust / Power
- 22 lbf
- Length (ft)
- 6.8
- MTOW (lb)
- 4,081
- Payload (lb)
- 264