Israel

Israel's Moon probe posts 'selfie' 23,363 miles from Earth

Probe is set to reach the Moon on April 11

March 6, 2019 10:44
The Israeli probe heading to the Moon posted this photo of the Earth
1 min read

The Israeli probe bound for the Moon has posted its first photo - a "selfie" of itself carrying the national flag, with the Earth in the background, 23,363 miles away.

The Beresheet (Hebrew for "In the Beginning") probe, which blasted off from Florida on February 24, is due to reach the Moon on April 11, which would make Israel the fourth country to land a probe there.

On Tuesday, its camera took the photo, which included the words: "Am Yisrael Chai".

The craft is orbiting the earth before it begins its final trajectory. It is carrying a 585kg robotic lander.

It is also set to be the first privately-funded mission to reach the Moon. SpaceIL built Beresheet together with Israel Aerospace Industries but the £70 million mission was primarily financed by Jewish philanthropists.

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