The lunar exploration satellite SELENE (KAGUYA) was launched toward the Moon in September 2007, with 14 pieces of scientific observation equipment onboard and carrying over 410,000 messages of support from the public. In October the same year, the KAGUYA reached its mission orbit, circulating at an altitude of 100 kilometers above the Moon. It has been continuously performing full-scale scientific observations since the end of December 2007. Data on the topography, minerals, and magnetic and gravitational fields of the entire Moon's surface have been successfully acquired and full-scale scientific results have started to be released through academic theses. Breathtaking images of the Earth and the Moon have also been captured by the high definition camera aboard the KAGUYA.

The KAGUYA will continue its observations until early 2009 using the main orbiter on the same orbit of 100 kilometers in altitude and the two sub-satellites (Okina and Ouna). The main orbiter will then lower its altitude sometime in spring to perform high accuracy observations on the Moon's magnetic fields, etc. We are then planning to drop the main orbiter on the near side of the Moon before the summer of 2009.
Following lunar explorer launches in 2007 by Japan and China, an Indian lunar explorer was launched in 2008, and the United States is also scheduled to launch their lunar explorer in 2009. Due to the enormous data acquired from these lunar explorers, scientific research on the origin and evolution of the Moon and research on how to utilize the Moon for the benefit of mankind will be boosted internationally. Based on this new lunar knowledge, human activities will expand to the Moon in the near future. I believe that the data from the KAGUYA will make a great contribution in terms of quality and quantity amidst this international movement.

The KAGUYA has been receiving heart-warming messages of support from the public through the "Wish Upon The Moon" Campaign and following the broadcast of spectacular movies of the Earth and the Moon captured by the high definition camera. These messages have given great encouragement to the members for the project team who conduct the satellite's operations and analyze data day and night. We ask for your continued support for the KAGUYA project.