Lunar Flyby - NASA's LCROSS - LIVE video 23 June 09

This was only meant to be a gravity assist fly-by which used the Moon's gravity to move the LCROSS into the proper orbit for its October impact date. The fly-by was never meant to be a close approach and/or picture taking opportunity (that's what LRO is for).

...having said that, I though it was pretty interesting to be able to watch a live video feed showing the far side of the Moon.


But the real reason for the fly-by was to get into the proper orbit. Because of yesterday's fly-by maneuver, the orbit of LCROSS is now roughly perpendicular to the ecliptic plane so it can approach the Moon from the south in October:
LCROSS orbit


[edit on 6/24/2009 by Soylent Green Is People]

reply to post by Soylent Green Is People

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I appreciate your ongoing supply of information on the LCROSS, Soylent. You've been one of the primary sources of information on this thread -- very informative.

reply to post by connelly4245

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thanks for the link! Many didn't see the flyby; I didn't expect it would make it to youtube so quickly.