NASA's First Gravity Recovery Satellite Launched
December 31st, 2011
December 31st, 2011

How Long Ago?
13 years, 2 months, 14 days ago
Location
Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- David Lehman
- Maria Zuber
- Jason Crusan
Links & References
Tags
NASA's First Gravity Recovery Satellite Launched
NASA achieved a significant milestone by successfully placing the first of two Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) satellites into orbit around the Moon. This mission was designed to map the Moon's gravitational field in unprecedented detail, enhancing our understanding of the Moon's internal structure and geological history. The GRAIL spacecraft were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a mission that promised to provide valuable insights into planetary formation and evolution.
First of two GRAIL satellites reached lunar orbit
Mission aimed to map the Moon's gravitational field
GRAIL data enhances understanding of lunar history
Launch occurred from Cape Canaveral, Florida
What Happened?
The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission, conducted by NASA, aimed to study the Moon's gravitational field with the goal of understanding its internal structure and history. The first GRAIL satellite was successfully placed into lunar orbit on December 31, 2011, marking a key achievement for NASA's lunar exploration efforts. The mission consisted of two spacecraft, named Ebb and Flow, which utilized precision measurements of the Moon's gravitational pull to detect variations in gravity as they orbited around it.
The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on September 10, 2011, with the primary objective of sending the twin satellites into a series of orbits around the Moon. Upon reaching lunar orbit, the satellites were to gather data that would reveal the thickness of the Moon's crust and mantle as well as other critical information about its composition. These insights contribute to our overall understanding of the Moon's formation, including the processes that shaped the early solar system.
The GRAIL mission, part of NASA's Discovery Program, followed previous lunar missions aimed at both robotic exploration and human landing. The data collected from the GRAIL spacecraft provided essential clues about the Moon's geological history, suggesting that it had a more complex interior than initially thought. By mapping the gravitational anomalies on the lunar surface, the mission offered researchers unique opportunities to piece together the Moon's evolution since its formation billions of years ago.
Why Does it Matter?
The successful placement of the GRAIL satellites in lunar orbit is significant as it represents a leap in our capability to study celestial bodies. Understanding the Moon's gravitational field not only informs us about its composition but also provides insights into planetary formation processes at large. This mission has implications beyond the Moon, enhancing our knowledge related to other rocky bodies in the solar system and the dynamics of their formation. The data provided valuable groundwork for future lunar exploration and potential human habitation.
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