South Korea's first lunar mission is now spaceborne

 

Image courtesy of Kennedy Space Center

South Korea's "Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter" (KPLO) has launched from Cape Canevaral at 7:08 P.M. EST and has been succesfully deployed. The orbiter is expected to attain lunar orbit in December of this year.

Managed by the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), KPLO is a 500 kg cube satellite containing multiple scientific instruments and experiments designed for the purpose of scientific investigations into lunar topography, terrain and resources in order facilitate future missions to the moon's surface. It is the first lunar mission mounted by the agency.

KPLO was carried into orbit via a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. Its current trajectory and position can be viewed via "Flight Club".