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SMART-1

Overview

SMART-1 the first lunar orbiter launched by ESA. The satellite was designed to test technologies for future missions, such as a solar power ion drive and deep-space telecommunications system. The mission aimed to collect data on the geology, morphology, topography, mineralogy, geochemistry, and exospheric environment of the Moon.

RAL Space involvement

RAL Space lead the consortium responsible for the Demonstration Compact Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (D-CIXS).

Launch Date

September 2003

Mission End

September 2006

Focus

Planetary science and exploration

Partners

BNSC, ESA

Artist's impression of SMART-1 Credit:ESA

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