Smart One: Europe's First Mission to the Moon

The SMART One mission aims to explore the Moon using a lightweight X-ray spectrometer to map its surface and analyze its chemical composition. The mission employs a solar-powered propulsion system and seeks to answer questions about the Moon's origins. It will test electric propulsion technology and provide insights into the Moon's formation, whether from a catastrophic impact or as a captured satellite.

What is a key feature of the X-ray spectrometer used in the SMART ONE mission?

• It is designed for underwater exploration.

• It is heavier than previous models.

• It uses traditional fuel for operation.

• It is four times lighter than previous models.

How long will the SMART ONE probe take to map the entire lunar surface?

• Three months

• Six months

• One year

• Two years

What does the spectrometer detect to determine the chemical makeup of the lunar surface?

• Magnetic fields

• Reflected solar X-rays

• Gravitational waves

• Radio signals

What are scientists hoping to learn from the data collected by the SMART ONE mission?

• The origins of the moon and the solar system

• The age of the Earth

• The temperature of the sun

• The distance to the nearest star

What is one of the objectives of the SMART ONE mission?

• To send a rover to Mars

• To mine lunar resources

• To test electric primary propulsion for a lunar orbiting spacecraft

• To establish a human colony on the moon