# Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter

> South Korean lunar orbiter

**Wikidata**: [Q30749609](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30749609)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danuri)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/korea-pathfinder-lunar-orbiter

## Summary
The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), also known as Danuri, is a South Korean lunar orbiter developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). Launched on August 4, 2022, it is South Korea's first spacecraft to orbit the Moon and carries scientific instruments, including ShadowCam, to study lunar geology and resources.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Lunar orbiter
- **Operator**: Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)
- **Launch Date**: August 4, 2022, at 23:08 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1052.6)
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **Mass**: 678 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: 1.82 m (length) × 2.14 m (width) × 2.29 m (height)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 760 watts
- **Scientific Payload**: Includes ShadowCam for lunar surface imaging
- **Aliases**: KPLO, Danuri, 探月衛星1號, 한국형 달 탐사선, 시험용 달 궤도선, 대한민국 달 궤도선
- **Country of Origin**: South Korea

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter?
A: The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), nicknamed Danuri, is South Korea's first lunar orbiter, launched in 2022. It was developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and carries scientific instruments to study the Moon's geology and resources.

### Q: Who operates the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter?
A: The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter is operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), South Korea's national space agency.

### Q: What is the significance of the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter?
A: The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter marks South Korea's entry into lunar exploration, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in space technology. It carries instruments like ShadowCam to advance lunar science and resource mapping.

### Q: What instruments does the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter carry?
A: The orbiter carries scientific instruments, including ShadowCam, which is designed to capture high-resolution images of the Moon's permanently shadowed regions to study potential water ice deposits.

### Q: How was the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter launched?
A: The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter was launched on August 4, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

## Why It Matters
The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter represents a significant milestone for South Korea's space program, marking the country's first lunar mission. Developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the orbiter was launched on August 4, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Weighing 678 kilograms, the spacecraft carries scientific instruments, including ShadowCam, to study the Moon's geology and resources. The mission underscores South Korea's growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to advancing lunar science. By orbiting the Moon, the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter contributes to global efforts in understanding Earth's natural satellite and paves the way for future lunar missions.

## Notable For
- **First South Korean Lunar Mission**: The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter is South Korea's first spacecraft to orbit the Moon, marking a major achievement in the country's space exploration program.
- **Scientific Payload**: The orbiter carries ShadowCam, a high-resolution camera designed to image the Moon's permanently shadowed regions, potentially revealing water ice deposits.
- **Collaborative Launch**: The mission was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, demonstrating international cooperation in space exploration.
- **Technological Advancement**: The orbiter's development showcases South Korea's growing expertise in spacecraft design and lunar exploration technologies.
- **Global Participation**: The mission contributes to global lunar research efforts, sharing data with international space agencies and researchers.

## Body
### Overview
The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), also known as Danuri, is a lunar orbiter developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). Launched on August 4, 2022, it is South Korea's first spacecraft to orbit the Moon. The orbiter carries scientific instruments, including ShadowCam, to study the Moon's geology and resources.

### Development and Launch
- **Developer**: Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)
- **Launch Date**: August 4, 2022, at 23:08 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1052.6)
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40

### Specifications
- **Mass**: 678 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: 1.82 meters (length) × 2.14 meters (width) × 2.29 meters (height)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 760 watts

### Scientific Instruments
- **ShadowCam**: A high-resolution camera designed to image the Moon's permanently shadowed regions, potentially revealing water ice deposits.

### Significance
- **First South Korean Lunar Mission**: The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter marks South Korea's entry into lunar exploration.
- **Scientific Contributions**: The orbiter's instruments, including ShadowCam, advance lunar science and resource mapping.
- **Technological Milestone**: The mission demonstrates South Korea's growing capabilities in space technology and lunar exploration.

### International Collaboration
- **Launch Partnership**: The mission was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, showcasing international cooperation in space exploration.

### Future Implications
- **Advancing Lunar Science**: The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter contributes to global efforts in understanding the Moon and paves the way for future lunar missions.

## References

1. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=KPLO)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kplo.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/08/spacex-danuri-south-korea/)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220523000691)
6. [Source](https://www.kari.re.kr/eng/sub03_07_01.do)