The space satellite developed by the South Korean Institute sent the first frames from the lunar orbit. Flying over the Moon at a height of 120 km before the New Year, the Danuri apparatus captured its surface and the Earth dissolving into darkness in the distance.
The name of the apparatus “Danuri” is translated from Korean as “enjoyment of the moon.” It was launched from the American spaceport in early August. Since December, it has been rotating in lunar orbit with a two-hour period of revolution.
Since February, scientific work will begin on the study of the surface of the moon, including mapping for future missions. Also in the spotlight will be the lunar magnetic field and gamma-ray studies. And with the help of the innovative Internet for space, the device will try to send photo and video materials to Earth.
The South Korean leader noted the historical significance of the first such mission for the national space industry. In the coming decades, the country plans to land spacecraft not only on the Moon, but also on Mars.