Why haven't we launched any artificial satellites that orbit the Moon?

In summary, there has been skepticism about the moon landing and the existence of equipment left behind, but this has been disproven by various missions, including the Soviet Luna 10 probe and the recent Chinese satellite program. Despite this evidence, some still hold onto the belief that the moon landing was faked, but this is not a valid topic for discussion.
  • #1
Curiousity28
9
0
I would've thought something like that would be do-able given we've landed on the moon, but also quite useful for discovering more about it.
 
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  • #2
It's doable and has been done to map the moon.
 
  • #3
You mean like http://news.cnet.com/8301-19514_3-10270929-239.html we launched last month?
 
  • #4
Not only has it been done, it was done 43 years ago. The Soviet Luna 10 probe made a couple hundred orbits before contact was lost. It may still be up there.
 
  • #5
Curiousity28 said:
I would've thought something like that would be do-able given we've landed on the moon, but also quite useful for discovering more about it.

Where have you been for the last 40 years, Curiosity?

After MANY failures, Luna 10 (1966) was the first to orbit the moon...
Like Negitron said; the latest one is the LRO...


See here for a more complete list:
http://www.tsgc.utexas.edu/everything/moon/missions.html

Creator
 
  • #6
Yesterday I watched a program that questioned whether man actually went to the moon, or whether it was all faked. The program said that the Chinese (I think it was the Chinese, could be wrong on this) were launching a satellite program that would take close up photos of the surface of the moon. The interesting thing about the program was that it stated that the range rover, flag, and other equipment that the Apollo Mission left upon the surface of the moon should still be there if man really did land on the moon, and that if such equipment is there, then it should all be able to be varified by looking at it from space (we don't have anything powerful enough yet to see any of it from Earth).
 
  • #7
seasnake said:
Yesterday I watched a program that questioned whether man actually went to the moon, or whether it was all faked. The program said that the Chinese (I think it was the Chinese, could be wrong on this) were launching a satellite program that would take close up photos of the surface of the moon. The interesting thing about the program was that it stated that the range rover, flag, and other equipment that the Apollo Mission left upon the surface of the moon should still be there if man really did land on the moon, and that if such equipment is there, then it should all be able to be varified by looking at it from space (we don't have anything powerful enough yet to see any of it from Earth).

Good timing to have seen that program because...

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=325687
 
  • #8
seasnake said:
The interesting thing about the program was that it stated that the range rover, flag, and other equipment that the Apollo Mission left upon the surface of the moon should still be there if man really did land on the moon, and that if such equipment is there, then it should all be able to be varified by looking at it from space (we don't have anything powerful enough yet to see any of it from Earth).
If hoaxsters believe the photos taken by astronauts on the moon were faked, what possible reason would they have for believing that new photos of lower quality taken by satellites were not faked?

The faith of the moon hoax crackpot is total, so there really isn't anything to be gained by discussing such things. This is why the moon hoax hoax is not an acceptable topic for discussion here.
 

1. Why haven't we launched any artificial satellites that orbit the Moon?

The primary reason for not launching artificial satellites that orbit the Moon is the high cost and technical complexity of such missions. Unlike Earth, the Moon does not have a significant atmosphere to help slow down and stabilize the orbit of a satellite. This requires precise trajectory calculations and maneuvering, making it much more challenging and expensive compared to launching satellites in Earth's orbit.

2. Has anyone attempted to launch satellites that orbit the Moon?

Yes, several attempts have been made by different space agencies and countries to launch satellites that orbit the Moon. However, only a few have been successful due to the technical challenges involved. The Soviet Union, USA, Japan, and China are some of the countries that have successfully launched lunar orbiters.

3. What are the benefits of launching satellites that orbit the Moon?

Satellites orbiting the Moon can provide valuable data and insights about the lunar surface, its geological features, and resources. They can also aid in communication and navigation for future lunar missions. Furthermore, studying the Moon's orbit and its effects on the satellite can help scientists better understand orbital mechanics and spacecraft operations.

4. Are there any plans to launch satellites that orbit the Moon in the future?

Yes, several space agencies and private companies have announced plans to launch satellites that orbit the Moon in the near future. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is currently orbiting the Moon, and they have plans for more lunar missions, including launching a satellite to study the Moon's water resources. Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin also have plans to launch lunar orbiters for commercial and scientific purposes.

5. Are there any challenges or risks associated with launching satellites that orbit the Moon?

Yes, there are several challenges and risks associated with launching satellites that orbit the Moon. As mentioned earlier, the technical complexity and high cost of these missions are significant challenges. Additionally, the harsh lunar environment, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and micrometeoroid impacts, can pose risks to the satellites. Furthermore, the lack of a robust communication infrastructure on the Moon can make it difficult to control and communicate with the satellites in real-time.

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