.
On this day in 1999 – July 31st – NASA's Lunar Prospector mission ended.

The probe investigated the Moon from low polar orbit, among other things mapping surface composition and possible polar ice deposits. The orbiter was deliberately crashed into a crater near the lunar south pole in the hope that it would create a plume in which water could be detected. (It didn't.)

Mona Evans
For news, activities, pictures and more, sign up to the Astronomy Newsletter!
http://www.bellaonline.com/newsletter/astronomy