Selene-1, the lunar orbiter mission, belongs to Option 3: Japan.
Selene-1, also known as SELENE (Selenological and Engineering Explorer), was a Japanese lunar orbiter mission. It was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on September 14, 2007. The primary objective of Selene-1 was to study the moon`s surface and subsurface structure, as well as its gravitational field and magnetic field.
Selene-1 was a significant mission for Japan`s space exploration program and represented the country`s first large-scale lunar mission. The spacecraft consisted of three main components: the main orbiter, known as Kaguya, and two smaller satellites, Okina and Ouna. Kaguya was equipped with various scientific instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, and radar, to gather data about the moon.
During its mission, Selene-1 successfully captured high-resolution images of the moon`s surface, providing valuable insights into its geological features. It also conducted experiments to measure the moon`s gravity and magnetic fields, contributing to our understanding of its internal structure. Additionally, the mission aimed to investigate the possibility of future lunar exploration and lunar resource utilization.
Selene-1 operated for almost a year, and its mission ended on June 10, 2009, when it was intentionally crashed into the moon`s surface. This controlled impact allowed scientists to study the resulting plume and gather data about the moon`s composition.
In conclusion, Selene-1, the lunar orbiter mission, was carried out by Japan as part of their space exploration efforts, specifically by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).