Lunar Orbiter Views Crater Copernicus

To prepare for the Apollo landings , five Lunar Orbiter spacecraft were launched during 1966 and 1967 to gather detailed images of our fair planet's large, natural satellite . Dramatic views returned by the spacecraft cameras included this stark moonscape . The mosaic of 93 kilometer wide impact crater Copernicus features central peaks rising above the crater floor and rugged crater walls. Note : As of today, June 16 , the APOD editors have enjoyed presenting images from space missions, major observatories, and professional and amateur cosmic tourists alike for twelve years . A sincere thanks to our web site operators, translators, and to all for the gracious email and continued APOD submissions!