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Moonward bound

by

Walter B. Myers/Novapix

Reference

e-exl01-00024

Date

2009-03-12

A soon-to-be lunar explorer takes a last look at Earth before entering orbit around the moon. At this point in the journey, the moon nearly fills the field of view at a distance of only 3,000 miles. Closing at a speed of 25,000 mph, the explorer will need to return to the airlock soon if she is to be safely inside before the thrusters file, slowing the tug/lunar lander combination down to an orbital velocity.