http://www.physorg.com/news111223061.html
Japan lunar orbiter frees mini-satellite
Japan’s unmanned lunar orbiter has started taking pictures and released a miniature satellite to help map the moon.
The Kaguya lunar craft, launched Sept. 14, jettisoned the first of its two 110-pound “baby” satellites Monday, Space.com reported Tuesday. The second mini-satellite is to be released Oct. 14, the space Web site said.
Kaguya is to produce detailed studies of the moon using 14 science instruments from a height of about 62 miles above the moon’s surface during its one-year mission. The spacecraft to produce high-resolution surface and gravity maps, observe the moon’s magnetic fields and search for water ice, among other science objectives.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International
Told you guys the space race was back on! 
