SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer), better known in Japan by its nickname Kaguya (かぐや), was the second Japanese lunar orbiter spacecraft following the Hiten probe. Produced by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) and the National Space Development Agency (NASDA), the spacecraft was launched on September 14, 2007. After successfully orbiting the Moon for a year and eight months, the main orbiter was instructed to impact on the lunar surface near the crater Gill on June 10, 2009. [source]
In this incredible footage taken on April 5th, 2008, we get to experience a full ‘Earth-Rise’ as observed from the far side of the Moon. The video also includes English narration to help explain what we are seeing.
