examples of space probes [1]

Since the end of the 1950s, over 125 space probes have been launched to study the planets and satellites of the solar system.

NEAR

This probe thrust into orbit around the asteroid Eros in 2000 and landed on it in 2001.

Stardust

Stardust’s mission is to collect fragments of interstellar dust, hence its name; it returned to Earth in 2006.

Apollo

Manned craft that enabled six crews to land on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to explore another world.

service module

Houses the main propulsion system and supplies energy, electricity, water and other provisions.

command module

Section of the craft where the crew resided during the mission; one astronaut stayed on board during the Moon landing. It was the only section of the Apollo craft to return to Earth.

lunar module

Inhabited section of the craft; enabled two men to walk on the Moon and spend a few days there before returning to dock with the Apollo capsule.