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Module 4 - Lunar Rovers
In this module we will explore the evolution of different types of lunar exploration spacecraft intended for Earth's Moon. Since its creation in 1958, NASA has made some changes and improvements to spacecraft, but some things have remained the same as well. You might be surprised.
 
To the left is the first successful spacecraft by NASA, Pioneer 1, launched in 1958. To the right is Lunar Prospecter, launched in 1998. Some things have changed, some remain the same.
Assignment
Compare and contrast the Pioneer 1 and Lunar Prospector by clicking on their names, reading the descriptions, and then answering the following questions.
- When (dates) did the missions occur?
- How many experiments were intended to take place during each mission? (Click on the Experiment Information links)
- Were any of the experiments performed similar? If so, which ones? (Click on the Experiment Information links)
- What was NASA's intent for each mission?
- How long did each mission last?
- Give a short description of each spacecraft. Start with materials that were used to create it, how much it weighed, measurements, and then describe its shape and appearance.
- How did the mission end? What happened to the spacecraft?
- How have things changed? How have they remained the same? (This is an opinion question based on what you have learned from this module)
Extra Credit
Create a chart that describes the above information for Pioneer 1, Lunar Prospector, and two other spacecraft from the National Space Science Data Center.
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