NASA's LRO Captures South Korea's Danuri Orbiter in High-Speed Lunar Pass

The rare encounter showcases advancements in space technology and international cooperation in lunar exploration.

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured images of South Korea's Danuri lunar orbiter as they passed each other at high speeds around the Moon.
The rare encounter occurred between March 5 and 6, 2024, with the spacecraft traveling in nearly parallel orbits but in opposite directions.
Due to their high relative velocities, around 7,200 miles per hour, Danuri appeared smeared in the images, stretched to about 10 times its actual size.
This event marks a significant moment in lunar exploration, showcasing the capabilities of current space technology and the international cooperation in space research.
The LRO has been orbiting the Moon for 15 years, playing a crucial role in lunar observation and providing valuable data for future missions.