What is LROC: LROC Summary

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The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission is scheduled to launch in the Spring of 2009 as part of NASA's Lunar Precursor Robotic Program (LPRP). LRO will enter a polar lunar mapping orbit and perform investigations designed to facilitate a human return to the Moon. The spacecraft is equipped with seven instruments, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC), the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA), Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND), Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment (DLRE), Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER), and the Mini-RF. The spacecraft will have a one-year primary mission in 50 km polar orbit. Measurements from LRO will provide much-needed information about the surface of the Moon, potential landing sites for future human and robotic missions, the location of potential lunar resources, and much more.