LM-100
Spacecraft
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Lockheed Martin small, spin stabilized bus, based on an internal triangular structure (one half LM-700 Iridium structure).
More at: LM-100.
Subtopics
Lunar Prospector American lunar orbiter. Lunar lander built by Lockheed Martin for NASA, USA. Launched 1998. Used the LM-100 bus.
Chronology
2 events
1998 January 7
02:28 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC46. Launch Pad: SLC46. LV Family: Athena. Launch Vehicle: Athena-2.- Lunar Prospector - .
Payload: Discovery 3. Mass: 295 kg (650 lb). Nation: USA.
Agency: NASA Ames.
Manufacturer: Lockheed.
Program: Discovery series.
Class: Moon.
Type: Lunar probe. Spacecraft Bus: LM-100.
Spacecraft: Lunar Prospector.
Decay Date: 1999-07-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 25131 . COSPAR: 1998-001A.
The Lunar Prospector was designed for a low polar orbit investigation of the Moon, including mapping of surface composition and possible polar ice deposits, measurements of magnetic and gravity fields, and study of lunar outgassing events. Data from the 1 to 3 year mission will allow construction of a detailed map of the surface composition of the Moon, and will improve understanding of the origin, evolution, current state, and resources of the Moon. After launch, the Lunar Prospector had a 105 hour cruise to the Moon, followed by insertion into a near-circular 100 km altitude lunar polar orbit with a period of 118 minutes. The nominal mission duration was one year.
1999 July 31
- Lunar Prospector, Moon Impact - .
Nation: USA.
Spacecraft Bus: LM-100.
Spacecraft: Lunar Prospector.
A two year extended mission following the original one-year mission was possible, during which the orbit was to be lowered to 50 km and then 10 km altitude to obtain higher resolution measurements. However this was not funded, and the spacecraft was commanded to crash into the moon.