Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer

In summary, the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) was a robotic mission launched on September 6, 2013, to study the lunar atmosphere and dust particles. It carried three instruments to collect data on the composition and density of the lunar atmosphere and properties of dust particles. The mission's major findings include the discovery of water molecules in the lunar exosphere, the formation of a dust cloud around the Moon, and the impact of meteoroids on the lunar atmosphere. After completing its mission, the spacecraft was intentionally crashed into the far side of the Moon on April 17, 2014, to avoid future collisions and ensure a controlled end to the mission.
  • #1
jhae2.718
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LADEE, the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer, is set to launch tomorrow from NASA Wallops Flight Facility on an Orbital Sciences Minotaur V launch vehicle. It's a neat mission with some good science on it.

Launch is scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 6, and will be shown on NASA TV starting at 9:30 PM EDT. If you have a chance, try and tune in.



LADEE infographic
 
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  • #2
Wow, 30 days of systems checks before it can even start.
 

Related to Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer

What is the purpose of the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer?

The Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) was a robotic mission designed to study the lunar atmosphere and the dust particles present in it. This mission aimed to improve our understanding of the lunar environment and its effects on future exploration and human missions to the Moon.

When was the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer launched?

The LADEE mission was launched on September 6, 2013, from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, USA. It was launched using a Minotaur V rocket and reached the Moon's orbit on October 6, 2013.

What instruments were onboard the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer?

LADEE carried three main instruments: the Neutral Mass Spectrometer, the Lunar Dust Experiment, and the Ultraviolet and Visible Light Spectrometer. These instruments were used to collect data on the composition and density of the lunar atmosphere, as well as the properties of lunar dust particles.

What were the major findings of the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer mission?

The LADEE mission provided valuable data and insights into the lunar atmosphere and dust environment. Some of the major findings include the presence of water molecules in the lunar exosphere, the formation of a dust cloud around the Moon during certain times of the year, and the impact of meteoroids on the lunar atmosphere.

What happened to the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer after its mission ended?

After completing its mission, the LADEE spacecraft was intentionally crashed into the far side of the Moon on April 17, 2014. This was done to avoid any potential collision with future lunar missions and to ensure a controlled end to the mission.

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