The GRAIL rockets are expected to reach the moon by New Year’s. The mission is also carrying a digital video imaging system called the MoonKAM, which will allow middle schoolers to explore the lunar surface in their classrooms. I’m kind of jealous. [CNN]
Photo: NASA/Jim Grossman
EckyThump
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 10:55 AMSo if they were launched today, why are they going to take that long to get there? I read the linked article, but saw nothing about how long they would take to get there! If previous moon shots are taken into consideration, they should take no more than a week!
Michael
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 11:42 AMYeah, what is up with the long time frame?
Michael
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 11:51 AMJust did some calculations, Grail is travelling at 135km/h to get there in 111 days… Thats assuming it takes the direct route.
Daniel
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 1:05 PMEh what’s the use. I’m not suggesting they’ve already had encounters up there, but if they were to find anything in this mission, what would they tell us? Seriously.
I’m sure something is lurking in the interior. And i’m not just referring to extra-terristrials before i brew up a sh*tstorm.
I’m also talking about materials that could inspire new technology, or anomalies that could aid in our exploration.
There’s a sort of “one-up” the americans would have over the world, in terms of discovery, and they wouldn’t let it go without the right price. Unless russia starts to balance out space exploration.
Nations/governments aren’t as “pure” as we may think. If you found a pot of gold under your house, would you tell your neighbour to look under his? You’d wait till he left.
And i don’t want “do-gooder” replies, such as “you’re in over your head, the government wouldn’t hide from us, nasa are man’s best friend, etc” – they are delusional comments based on nothing but ignorance.
EckyThump
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 3:23 PMPretty sure you’re missing the point!
Daniel
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 9:06 PMhow am i missing the point?
“the rockets will map the entire lunar surface and interior to see how it formed and evolved.”
My comment seems to address that, and actually provides a reason for you to use that head of yours.
I’m pretty sure you just don’t feel like thinking. It’s alright. Take a seat on your couch and watch that tv of yours. Soak in all that info! Don’t formulate your own ideas – just listen to the man in the monotonous voice.
spoon
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 10:07 PMnope, very sure you’re missing the point.
spoon
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 10:14 PMoh wait, maybe you are on to something…
Do you think they are looking for cheese?
Doug
Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 10:45 PMFor the same reason that they have gravity mapped the earth, I suppose.
Spock
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 3:46 AMYou are a prize bumpkin. Must’ve been incredibly difficult to buy gifts for you as a child – you were probably that one kid who insisted that his new set of Ninja Turtles was not a nice gift from the old man, but some kind of sick social experiment.
EckyThump
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:48 AMWas going to give one of my long winded retorts, but I think ‘Doug’ and ‘Spock’ covered it nicely! Thanks guys #]
Tom M
Monday, September 12, 2011 at 3:01 PMIt’s all a conspiracy, it’s because I posted on an obscure blog that the moon was filled with oil. They’re going to secure it to keep supplies low and prices high!
TSH
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 11:26 AMHow awesome will it be to have super-accurate 3D mapping of the Moon’s surface as well as interesting geological features! Robot moonbase here we come… :–D