Danuri Lowers Mission Altitude to 60km to Enter Extended Mission Orbit

Simultaneous Phase Adjustment Maneuver Conducted
in Preparation for the March 14 Total Lunar Eclipse

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute announced on the 20th that it has successfully completed the 'altitude lowering maneuver' for the extended mission orbit insertion of the lunar probe Danuri.

The altitude lowering maneuver is a thrust-based orbit adjustment to lower Danuri's mission altitude. Through this maneuver, Danuri's mission altitude was reduced from an average of 100 km to 60 km.

Researchers are performing a descent maneuver at the Daejeon Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) Danuri control room. Photo by KARI

Danuri began the altitude lowering maneuver around 11:10 a.m. on the 19th, and subsequent detailed orbit data analysis confirmed its stable insertion into the low lunar orbit. Researchers at KARI explained, "With this orbit adjustment, Danuri will operate at a lower orbit for about seven months, allowing for more precise observation of the lunar surface."

In particular, along with the altitude lowering maneuver, a 'phase adjustment maneuver' was simultaneously conducted to maximize solar exposure time in preparation for the total lunar eclipse occurring on the 14th of next month. This adjustment optimizes Danuri's orbital path to maximize solar power generation during the eclipse period, when sunlight is blocked for an extended time, making power generation impossible.

Lee Sang-cheol, director of KARI, stated, "Having successfully completed this altitude lowering maneuver, we will ensure that Danuri achieves even more meaningful scientific outcomes in its new mission orbit, living up to its name meaning 'enjoying the moon to the fullest.'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.