Will the new Japanese lunar probe be able to take pictures of the Apollo lunar lander and the American flag?

Question

Asking those that have actual knowledge of the capabilities of the equipment. Not intended to start a moon landing hoax debate. Thanks!

Answer 1

I have difficulty finding detailed technical data on the camera, other than its a High-Definition Television Camera.

If we assume that it will have the same resolution as a 58 mm lens using high quality film (or very dense pixel arrangements), we could assign to it a resolution of 2".

Using a distance of 100 km (the mean distance of the main probe above the lunar surface), this gives a linear resolution of 0.97 m (let's call it a metre).

100 km * Sin(2") = 0.96963 m (3 ft 2 in.)

Thus, the smallest object that the camera could see (if it is anything close to what I've described) is 3 feet across.

It could probably not pick out the flag.

It probably could (if it is aimed at it and the lighting is just right) pick out the base of a LEM (left behind when the ascent part of the LEM... ascended). Maybe also a Lunar Rover (a.k.a. moon buggy).

If the camera is aimed at an angle, then objects are much further from the lens than 100 km (because of the angle). Objects must be bigger for the camera to pick them out.

If the camera has a wider lens, then the resolution improves linearly. (if the lens is twice as wide, at 116 mm, then its resolution is 1" -- or half-a-metre at 100 km).

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PS:

Based on what I can read at the web site, it appears that the TV camera is not one of the main scientific instruments. It is designed to provide nice panoramic views (including Earth-rises) but not accurate survey work. Therefore, it is possible that it will not be set up to pick up fine details (e.g., contrast, gain, brilliance, etc., may be set up for other conditions than those that exist directly underneath the probe, looking vertically down at the lunar surface).

We'll see.

I'm sure that if they do pick something up, they will make a big thing of it.

Answer 2

If the figures in Raymond's answer are correct, the Apollo artifacts would only be barely resolveable. An image of the decent stage of a lunar lander, for instance, would show the lander only as a few pixels. It would probably be unrecognizeable.

Answer 3

The Japanese probe has the capability, yes. I don't know if it's orbit will take it over the landing sites, or if they plan to photograph them, though.

Answer 4

Judging by the images so far, it doesn't have anywhere near the resolution to image anything that small. Besides, no reputable scientists have any interest in wasting their valuable resources on a bunch of cranks.