Lunar Orbiter 4

Quick Facts: Who was Lunar Orbiter 4?

Subject:

Lunar Orbiter 4

Known for:

Robotic US spacecraft that surveyed the Moon for Apollo site selection.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lunar Orbiter 4 was a robotic U.S. spacecraft, part of the Lunar Orbiter Program, designed to orbit the Moon, after the three previous orbiters had completed the required needs for Apollo mapping and site selection. It was given a more general objective, to "perform a broad systematic photographic survey of lunar surface features in order to increase the scientific knowledge of their nature, origin, and processes, and to serve as a basis for selecting sites for more detailed scientific study by subsequent orbital and landing missions".

Career & Major Achievements

It was also equipped to collect selenodetic, radiation intensity, and micrometeoroid impact data. The spacecraft was placed in a cislunar trajectory and injected into an elliptical near polar high lunar orbit for data acquisition.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The orbit was 2,706 by 6,111 kilometres (1,681 mi × 3,797 mi) with an inclination of 85.5 degrees and a period of 12 hours. After initial photography on May 11, 1967 problems started occurring with the camera's thermal door, which was not responding well to commands to open and close.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1967: 1967 Milestone — After initial photography on May 11, 1967 problems started occurring with the camera's thermal door, which was not responding well to commands to open and close.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lunar Orbiter 4

True or False: “Lunar Orbiter 4 was solely tasked with providing high-resolution images of the Apollo landing sites, ignoring general geological surveys.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): This is a misconception. While site selection was a goal, Lunar Orbiter 4's mandate was broader, requiring a systematic survey of general lunar features to build comprehensive scientific knowledge.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Akshay Kumar — Historical peer (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: NASA robotic spacecraft mapping the Moon's surface for future human missions.
• Lunar rover — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Space exploration vehicles designed to traverse the surface of the Moon.
• Lunar Roving Vehicle — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The battery-powered rover used by Apollo astronauts for surface exploration on the Moon.
• Lunar south pole — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The southernmost point on the Moon, scientifically vital for water ice discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lunar Orbiter 4