In Pics: South Korea's Spacecraft Danuri Captures Stunning Lunar Surface

Danuri, the first-ever South Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter spacecraft, has delivered some stunning images from the moon.The Korean national space centre has announced the collection of black-and-white images sent by the spacecraft and shared them on online platforms.

Danuri, a portmanteau of the Korean words for "moon" and "enjoy," was launched on a SpaceX rocket from the United States in August 2022 and entered lunar orbit last month.

Its images, taken between December 24 and January 1, show the lunar surface and Earth, and were shot from less than 120 kilometers (75 miles) over the moon, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said in a statement.

The images and videos will be "used to select potential sites for a moon landing in 2032," it added.

Danuri is circling the moon every two hours, the centre said.

The orbiter will begin its scientific mission next month, which includes mapping and analysing lunar terrain, and measuring magnetic strength and gamma rays.

It will also test experimental "space internet" technology by transmitting photos and videos to Earth.

President Yoon Suk-yeol has hailed Danuri's achievements as a "historical moment" in the country's space programme.

South Korea has laid out ambitious plans for outer space, including landing spacecraft on the moon by 2032 and on Mars by 2045.

(With inputs from AFP)