Data and methodology

Lunar Probe combines authoritative reference values, curated local datasets and educational calculations. The site separates direct measurements from model outputs and avoids presenting simplified simulations as operational aerospace software.

Sources

Important scientific and mission facts are checked against agencies and institutions such as NASA, JPL, USGS, USNO, ISRO, JAXA, ESA and KARI. Source URLs are stored with the relevant datasets where practical so a visitor can trace the evidence.

Measured values and adopted constants

Some quantities, such as the SI speed of light, are exact definitions. Others, such as mean lunar radius or mean Earth-Moon distance, are adopted reference values that simplify calculations. The constants reference records the value, source and note used by the tools.

Educational models

Calculators state their main assumptions. A two-body lunar orbit model, for example, ignores mascons and third-body perturbations. A projectile model ignores aerodynamic drag. A landing-braking model isolates vertical motion rather than reproducing guidance, navigation and control.

Estimates and numerical precision

When the available method cannot support a precise answer, the site labels the result as an estimate or gives a qualitative regime. The lunar thermal explorer deliberately avoids returning an exact temperature for arbitrary coordinates without a local topographic and thermophysical model.

Mission status

Historical mission facts and current operational status are treated separately. Missions shown as currently active use a dedicated verification registry with a recent primary source. If a recent operational update is not available, the site does not silently assume an older active label remains current.

Images and provenance

Editorial images are served locally for reliability, while original source pages and credits are retained. The image credits page lists those origins.

What these tools should not be used for

Lunar Probe is an educational resource. Its calculations are not flight dynamics, landing certification, mission navigation, safety engineering or operational decision systems.