Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter maps the Moon and measures its surface temperature, composition, radiation environment, and topography from lunar orbit. Its camera and laser-altimetry observations help scientists reconstruct lunar history and help mission planners assess safe landing terrain. Measurements of polar illumination and potential water resources support future exploration near the Moon's south pole; the spacecraft has operated at the Moon since 2009.
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Identity
- Aliases
- LRO missionLunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission
- Name
- Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
- Status
- active
Details
- Astronauts
- -
- Description
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter maps the Moon and measures its surface temperature, composition, radiation environment, and topography from lunar orbit. Its camera and laser-altimetry observations help scientists reconstruct lunar history and help mission planners assess safe landing terrain. Measurements of polar illumination and potential water resources support future exploration near the Moon's south pole; the spacecraft has operated at the Moon since 2009.
- Destination
- Lunar orbit for high-resolution mapping and measurements of the Moon’s surface, temperature, composition, and radiation environment
- Launch Site
- Outcome
- LRO entered lunar orbit on 23 June 2009 and continues extended lunar science and exploration-support operations.
- Programs
- Start Date
- 2009-06-18
- Vehicle Families
Links
- Official Url
- https://science.nasa.gov/mission/lro/
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- July 31, 2026 at 04:58:09 UTC
- Updated Time
- October 29, 2026 at 13:11:39 UTC
- Image
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Other
- Affiliations
- Space Stations
- -
- Vehicles