The Republic of Korea’s first lunar orbiter Danuri sent black and white photographs of the Moon and Earth’s surface. This was reported by AFP.

Roughly meaning “enjoying the moon,” Danuri was launched from the United States on a SpaceX rocket in August 2022 and entered lunar orbit in December.

The submitted images were taken between December 24 and January 1. Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) said in a statement that it shows the surface of the Moon and the Earth from 120 kilometers above the Moon. One of the frames repeats the composition of the famous photo “East of the Earth”, taken by the team “Apollo-8”. The new images and videos will be used to select potential sites for a 2032 moon landing.

Danuri revolves around the Moon for a period of two hours. The rover will begin its science mission in February, which includes mapping and analyzing the lunar surface, as well as measuring the magnetic field and gamma radiation. Engineers will also test the “space internet” experimental technology by sending photos and videos to Earth.

Chairman Yoon Suk-yeol described Danuri’s success as a “historic moment” in the country’s space program.

The Republic of Korea plans to land on the moon by 2032 and on Mars by 2045.