SMART-1 entering lunar orbit

Released

11/11/2004 1:00 pm

Copyright

ESA

Description

SMART-1 is shown here, during its first orbit of the Moon, while firing its ion engine. During this crucial phase, the engine runs almost continuously for four days, 15-19 November and then for a series of shorter burns, allowing SMART-1 to reach its final operational orbit by making ever-decreasing loops around the Moon.