Selene, the JAXA spacecraft that has been mapping the Moon using its Laser Altimeter, has had a major new data release. These preliminary images form part of what will be a dataset of many million points covering the Moon’s surface in 3D, high resolution photography and topography.
The maps are being made to help us better grasp the surface of the Moon in terms of its shape and size but also its mineral content. This will enable governments (and maybe others?) to plan the best sites for future manned Moon missions and the best locations for a future manned base.
You can read much more via the official JAXA Selene site. Here you will also find more high definition pictures.
