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Clementine

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description Clementine Overview

Clementine was a 1994 lunar mapping and technology demonstration mission jointly managed by the United States Department of Defense and NASA. Launched on 25 January 1994, it entered lunar orbit and collected multispectral images of the Moon's surface, supporting later studies of lunar geology. The mission also tested lightweight spacecraft subsystems under the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization and was intended to observe the asteroid 1620 Geographos, though an attitude-control malfunction prevented that phase.

help Clementine FAQ

When was the Clementine lunar mission launched?

Clementine launched on 25 January 1994. It was a joint lunar mapping and technology-demonstration mission managed by the United States Department of Defense and NASA.

What did Clementine map on the Moon?

The spacecraft entered lunar orbit and collected multispectral images of the Moon's surface. Those images supported later studies of lunar geology and the polar regions.

Did Clementine land on the Moon?

No, Clementine was an orbiting robotic mission rather than a lunar lander. Its main work was remote sensing through multispectral imaging.

Why was Clementine both a NASA mission and a Department of Defense mission?

The project combined lunar science with tests of space technologies. Its 1994 mission therefore served as both a technology demonstration and a source of detailed lunar maps.

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