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Why does Artemis II review lunar targets right before the flyby?

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Answer: Launch timing changes the lighting they will see

Orion’s cameras work only in certain moonlight — Wrong. The cameras work fine. The challenge is that different lighting reveals different lunar features.

The Moon’s surface changes every few days — Wrong. The main issue is not rapid surface change, but changing light and viewing angle.

Launch timing changes the lighting they will see ✓ — Correct! The exact launch time affects the Sun angle and viewing geometry during the flyby, which changes what features are easiest to observe and photograph.

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