Twin NASA probes plunge into lunar mountain on purpose (2)

（Xinhua） 14:41, December 18, 2012

The lunar map provided by the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission probes enables scientists to learn about the moon's internal structure and composition in unprecedented detail. Twin NASA spacecraft orbiting the moon ended their mission by crashing into a lunar mountain on purpose Dec. 17, 2012, NASA announced. (Photo/Xinhua)

"Impact complete! Ebb and Flow orbiters reach their final destination near the moon's north pole," NASA announced on its tweeter account. "Final resting place on the moon of Ebb and Flow has been named after astronaut and GRAIL collaborator Sally Ride!"

Ride became the first American woman in space as a crew member on space shuttle Challenger in 1983. At the age of 32, she was also the youngest American space traveler at that time.

"Sally was all about getting the job done, whether it be in exploring space, inspiring the next generation, or helping make the GRAIL mission the resounding success it is today," said GRAIL principal investigator Maria Zuber from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"As we complete our lunar mission, we are proud we can honor Sally Ride's contributions by naming this corner of the moon after her."

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