description GRAIL Ebb Overview
GRAIL Ebb is one of NASA's twin Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory spacecraft, launched in 2011 to conduct a comprehensive mapping of the Moon's gravitational field. Working in unison with its twin, Flow, Ebb transmitted microwave signals to measure the precise distance between the two orbiters as they flew over areas of varying lunar gravity. This allowed scientists to identify internal mass variations and derive the Moon's crustal thickness. In December 2012, Ebb's mission ended when it was deliberately crashed into a crater near the Moon's north pole.
help GRAIL Ebb FAQ
What was the GRAIL Ebb spacecraft used for?
GRAIL Ebb was one of NASA's twin spacecraft launched in 2011 to create a highly detailed gravitational map of the Moon. Together with its twin, Flow, it orbited the Moon to measure its internal structure.
Why was the GRAIL spacecraft named Ebb?
The names Ebb and Flow were chosen by NASA after a nationwide student contest, reflecting the spacecrafts' mission to measure the Moon's gravitational pull. Ebb operated in tandem with its twin sister craft to provide precise distance measurements.
How did the GRAIL Ebb mission end?
After completing its primary and extended science missions, GRAIL Ebb was deliberately crashed into the lunar surface. NASA intentionally impacted the spacecraft near the Moon's north pole to prevent any contamination of historically significant Apollo landing sites.
Did GRAIL Ebb have a specific payload for students?
Yes, each GRAIL spacecraft carried a MoonKAM (Moon Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) system. This allowed students from around the world to request images of the Moon's surface to be taken by the Ebb and Flow orbiters.
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