« A Momentary Lapse of Reason …
Do You Love or Hate Technology? »

Japan Moon Probe Named

June 6th, 2007
Author Leonard David

» Japan Moon Probe Named

Japan is ready to launch a sophisticated Moon probe this summer, formerly known as the SELenological and ENgineering Explorer (SELENE).

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has picked a nickname for the lunar probe, selected from candidates submitted by the general public.

And the new name is (drum roll please!): KAGUYA. The name is from an ancient Japanese tale “Taketori Monogatari” - the tale of the Bamboo-Cutter which involves Princess Kaguya, the Moon Princess.

ÂÂ