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LCROSS

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description LCROSS Overview

The LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation & Sensing Satellite) mission involved launching a probe to crash into the Cabeus crater on the Moon’s south pole. This NASA space mission was notable for confirming the presence of water ice within permanently shadowed regions. Scientists utilize this data to understand lunar geology and assess potential resources for future human exploration, primarily benefiting astrobiology and planetary science research.

help LCROSS FAQ

Why did NASA deliberately crash LCROSS into the Moon?

The impact was designed to excavate material from the permanently shadowed floor of Cabeus crater. LCROSS then flew through the resulting plume and analyzed it before striking the Moon itself.

What exactly hit Cabeus crater during the LCROSS experiment?

The first impactor was the spent Centaur upper stage that had launched the spacecraft. The shepherding LCROSS spacecraft followed behind, observed the plume with its instruments, transmitted the data, and then also impacted.

What did LCROSS discover about lunar water?

Spectroscopic measurements of the impact plume confirmed water in material excavated from Cabeus. The result provided direct evidence that permanently shadowed polar soil can preserve water ice and other volatile compounds.

How was LCROSS connected to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter?

LCROSS and NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter launched together on the same Atlas V rocket in 2009. LRO entered lunar orbit, while LCROSS used a different trajectory leading to the planned Cabeus impact on October 9, 2009.

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