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First European probe arrives at the moon

DARMSTADT, Germany, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The European SMART-1 probe has arrived at the moon, two months earlier than expected, the European Space Agency said Tuesday.

The SMART-1 probe reached its closest point to the moon's surface so far -- a distance of about 5,000 kilometers - Monday night, ESA reported. It is to continue to make loops around the moon until mid-January, when it reaches an altitude of between 300 kilometers at the lunar south pole and 3,000 kilometers at the north pole.

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The ESA said SMART-1, its first probe to reach the moon, then will then begin to carry out scientific observations until June.

Bernard Foing, ESA chief scientist, told reporters during a teleconference from mission control in Darmstadt, the data gathered by SMART-1 would be used by the next generation of space-scientists.

Launched in September 2003, the probe is the first of a series of Small Missions for Advanced Research Technology spacecraft. During its journey, SMART-1 successfully tested new spacecraft technologies, including a solar-electron propulsion system, gravity assisted maneuvers, deep space communication and autonomous navigation techniques.

Its lunar investigations will include mapping chemical elements on the surface, enabling scientists to test theories of the moon's birth and evolution.

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