Last month, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured an intriguing sight: a slender object zipping across the lunar skyline.

Initially mistaken for a UFO, it was later revealed to be the Korea Aerospace Research Institute’s Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), also known as Danuri.

Despite moving in parallel orbits, the impeccable timing required to catch this glimpse showcased the precision of both spacecraft.

Danuri, launched in August 2022, marked South Korea’s maiden lunar mission, focusing on aiding future lunar expeditions and demonstrating a potential lunar internet, Futurism has reported.

NASA’s meticulous timing in capturing Danuri’s image, despite its minuscule appearance due to the LRO’s short camera exposure, underscored the LRO’s capabilities.

Beyond this encounter, the LRO has played a vital role in lunar exploration, from identifying crashed lunar landers to aiding in positioning systems for future missions.

Written by B.C. Begley