Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

what is true is that they did not go to the real moon, as it is a subtle planet

I was convinced by the BBC Documentary and the FOX documentary on this which gave so many evidences of a faked moon landing. The camera manufacturer said the photos were faked! The Van-Allen belts. The footage of the astronauts in low-earth orbit faking a higher orbit. etc etc

I have not researched in great depth nor do I have desire to, but I did read 2 months ago that NASA has lost the original video footage of the moon landing. That is another odd one if you ask me.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013002065.html

The camera could not resist the high temperatures in the moon.

The most amazing one: if Armstrong was first to walk to the moon, then who filmed him walking down the ladder?

http://www.vedanews.com/out.php?title=Moon_Landings_Were_Hoax-1

My devotee friend did a thorough research of _open_ sources and concluded they did. Imho, without insider knowledge one cannot be sure either way. Certainly one cannot enter higher dimensions (lokas) by our gross material means.

my realization is that "everything" I was told to be true was false and "everything" I was told to be false was true...
so would say they didnt...

there is clearly gravity resistance, so it was not the moon[p]
[youtube]tk5exYPOvhY[/youtube]

People say how can Nasa fool so many Scientists into believeing they went to the Moon (if they indeed didnt), but what people fail to understand is, NASA IS made up of scientists.

...great question,I was going to ask it myself a while ago,when I saw the story that India had a space machine orbiting the moon taking hi-resolution photos.The story I heard was that during one of the " moon walks " Prabhupada was watching on tv,he looked closely and said thats the not the moon,but something else much closer to the earth,something we cants see because of its orbit postion.

why can we see the moon with our gross material senses? Its supposed to be a subtle planet.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]
The most amazing one: if Armstrong was first to walk to the moon, then who filmed him walking down the ladder?
[/quote]

The lunar module has a camera arm. Its pretty much common knowledge.

A lot of the theories that have been given here are well dismissed with references on the wikipedia page of the same subject. You can also watch the episode of Mythbusters, which covers these things and shows how they actually worked.
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Moon_Landing_hoax_conspiracy_theories
Mythbusters:
Search youtube "Mythbusters Moon".

Watch the movie "Something funny happened in the way to the moon", dave
For example, how do you explain them surviving the Van Allen belt(s) ?
I advice you to tend to not trust people that is constantly lying, not the other way around.

[quote][cite] hariharibol:[/cite]...great question,I was going to ask it myself a while ago,when I saw the story that India had a space machine orbiting the moon taking hi-resolution photos.The story I heard was that during one of the " moon walks " Prabhupada was watching on tv,he looked closely and said thats the not the moon,but something else much closer to the earth,something we cants see because of its orbit postion.[/quote]

suuuuuure... so how come you can see Earth in those pictures from Moon walks? and where is this huge thing hiding in the sky?

this is worse than Christians believing Satan created dinosaur bones to confuse people...

lol, so is the Moon we see in the sky the real moon or is it the fake moon.? If they landed on the fake moon that means they must know about the strange thing orbiting the earth. I heard some ppls gave up krsna consciousness because of this. I can see why its very confucing. Somebody needs to explain it. i.e www.harekrishnaexplainsmoonlandings.com

cbrahma
why can we see the moon with our gross material senses? Its supposed to be a subtle planet.

Can be gross with subtle layers that can'b4t be seen....

Kula pavana... Admit that "earth" and all the rest CAN be faked as proved by many movies. The question is if they did or not.

The key to it is that reality of Bhagavatam (and Bhagavatam cosmology) is higher and more real to what we can see with our eyes.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]
Kula pavana... Admit that "earth" and all the rest CAN be faked as proved by many movies. The question is if they did or not.[/quote]

What you cant fake is that Moon waxes and wanes before our very eyes depending on its position BETWEEN the Earth and the Sun. You can see the rising Moon in the sky along with the setting Sun, and you can see the shadows on the Moons surface created by the Sun. All of that gave the ancient astronomers plenty of knowledge.

I do not doubt that NASA can land its space ships on the Moon. They have extremely sophisticated technology. Just look at their space shuttle program. Was the initial Moon landing faked? That is certainly possible. But the issue on hand for us devotees really is: what do you see in the sky at night? Is that the moon Vedas write about? And the answer is a resounding YES. However, just as Earth is only a small part of Bhu-mandala, the Moon is only a small part of Candra-loka, or the higher lunar world.

[quote][cite] ccd:[/cite]The key to it is that reality of Bhagavatam (and Bhagavatam cosmology) is higher and more real to what we can see with our eyes.[/quote]

What we see with our eyes is only the earthly realm. We do not see the higher planetary systems. We see merely their reflections into the earthly realm. Just like ghosts here on earth are mere reflections of the ghostly realm which is a separate world into which we can not enter in this earthly body. Bhagavatam is describing the Universe as it is seen by the great yogis who can travel anywhere.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]cbrahma
why can we see the moon with our gross material senses? Its supposed to be a subtle planet.

Can be gross with subtle layers that can'b4t be seen....
[/quote]

Just like how the living entitity is spirit soul, but we see the body. Even the subtle material body cannot be seen.

To say theyve been to the moon is like me seeing that I know someone having only seen their body.

Srila Prabhupada also said the moon was covered with lush vegetation, which seems to indicate that it should appear green. Yet we can see the moon in the sky, and it appears basically white. This should prove that what we see as the moon is not really seeing the moon.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]For example, how do you explain them surviving the Van Allen belt(s) ?[/quote]

Did you look at the link I posted? Even James Van Allen himself said it wouldnt be a problem.

"The recent Fox TV show, which I saw, is an ingenious and entertaining assemblage of nonsense. The claim that radiation exposure during the Apollo missions would have been fatal to the astronauts is only one example of such nonsense." -- Dr. James Van Allen "

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]
I advice you to tend to not trust people that is constantly lying, not the other way around[/quote]
I find this a funny statement, because first you present me with the "Van Allen Belt", which of course was discovered by a scientist, and then you tell me not to trust persons who are constantly lying (presumably youre referring to the sources of the counter-arguments, which are also mostly from scientists).

A bit of a disclaimer... I did not read the entire thread so I apologize if I repeat anything.

I was hearing one lecture from Srila Prabhupada the other day (a morning walk, I believe) and one disciple was inquiring about this. Basically the points Ive heard/read Prabhupada make in this regard are :

1.) the moon is a heavenly planet that cannot be reached by material means. Even if they go there, they could not stay.

2.) If by some way the astronauts did manage to make it there, the inhabitants of the moon planet are much smarter and could have easily diverted them to a deserted part of the planet (just think if people landed in the middle of the salt flats in US what they would think earth is like?)

3.) It may have been possible for the scientists to have gone to a planet called Rahu which is much closer to the earth than the moon.

Srila Prabhupada clearly and always very sternly answered this question many, many times over the years during His physical presence."They DID NOT go to the moon planet." It is not possible for them to reach the moon planet by material means". "They MAY have gone to the planet known as Rahu", as Radhapriya Devi dasi stated. He also said; "Even if they could reach the moon planet, they cannot stay there. It is not possible". Also stated by Srila Prabhupada via Radhapriya.
To this day, there appears to be much doubt regarding Prabhupadas answer to this question. These doubts are offensive to Srila Prabhupada, and are not the mentality of true disciples. In fact, they are considered to be (Guru Aparadha).
In my humble opinion, as well as many others, when the controllers of the government during that time who were funding NASA with millions of dollars for the space program were not getting the desired spectacular results they so dearly wanted and needed, the threat of pulling those funds from NASA was presented. Furthermore, the US was involved in a race with the Russians to prove technological superiority. When the threat of losing those millions for the program became apparent as well as making the US look inferior to the Russians, the program was put into great jeopardy, therefore the recipients of those monies hatched the elaborate hoax for those two reasons. One, to keep the funds coming in, and secondly to maintain so called technological superiority over the Russians. Thats all. Aside from that, and more importantly, Prabhupada said so. So why after all these years is this question still being raised? It was, and still is, one of the greatest hoaxes in recorded history. If they did go there as they say, why have they not returned for further exploration? Technology has greatly advanced since then, therefore it should be much easier for them to accomplish such a feat. Yet no other attempts have been made to do so. One has to ask himself, why that is. The answer is obvious. They never went there to begin with and they still cant go there.

[quote][cite] Priyavrata das:[/cite] So why after all these years is this question still being raised? [/quote]

These questions are raised because Moon is most certainly closer to Earth than Sun. This is a proven fact, accepted also in the vedic astronomy shastras such as Surya Siddhanta translated by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta.

[quote][cite] Priyavrata das:[/cite]Kula-pavana; So what! We are not discussing which planet is closer. The question at hand is: Did they go to the moon? Srila Prabhupada said they DID NOT go to the moon planet. End of story! Why is that not good enough for you? It is obviously due to your lack of complete faith in the words of the Self Realized Soul Srila Prabhupada that you continue to question. Thats all. Does your questionable scholarship supercede Prabhupadas words? Read BG,9.28 Purport. Unfortunately, your false ego will not allow you to completely accept Prabhupada. Your quotes are meaningless. In reality, your so puffed up, you cannot simply accept Srila Prabhupada. You are a fault finder, and an Aparadhe. Otherwise you would not question Prabhupadas authoritative words.[/quote]

Because one of the main arguments SP used in his rationale to question the official version of events was the distance between Earth and Moon, the two issues are linked. Yes, I do believe SP understanding of this issue was not authoritative. His knowledge of astronomy (both vedic and contemporary) was quite minimal.

The process of Krsna Consciousness is pragmatic, not dogmatic. SP insisted that this proces is based on science, not mere faith and blind acceptance. It is not an aparadha to apply scientific thought in the analysis of any ones statement.

Kula-pavana; So what! We are not discussing which planet is closer. The question at hand is: Did they go to the moon? Srila Prabhupada said they DID NOT go to the moon planet. End of story! Why is that not good enough for you? It is obviously due to your lack of complete faith in the words of the Self Realized Soul Srila Prabhupada that you continue to question. Thats all. Does your questionable scholarship supercede Prabhupadas words? Read BG,9.28 Purport. Unfortunately, your false ego will not allow you to completely accept Prabhupada. Your quotes are meaningless. In reality, your so puffed up, you cannot simply accept Srila Prabhupada. You are a fault finder, and an Aparadhe. Otherwise you would not question Prabhupadas authoritative words.

Kula Pavana:

"Yes, I do believe SP understanding of this issue was not authoritative."

and then

"SP insisted that this proces is based on science, not mere faith and blind acceptance"

You are doing that again and again. Negating SP authority and one paragraph below quoting him. That is called rascaldom.

Let me ask you...by whom were you initiated, to which movement, sampradaya, or philosophy do you belong?

If you do not have faith in Srila Prabhupada, fine. But then do not come here as his follower and confuse everyone. Thank you.

Mishra-ji, for me it is not ALL or NOTHING, black or white only. You should read what other acharyas wrote as well. Guru, sadhu, and shastra. THAT is our process.

Since on this issue (Moon distance) there is considerable controversy in our movement and since SPs opinion differs from Surya Siddhanta and any other authority on astronomy, I feel free to reject this particular opinion of Srila Prabhupada. It does not change my deep respect for SP as an acharya of our sampradaya. It is only a minor point. Can you accept 99.9% of what SP said as true and still be considered his follower? Only a very closed-minded fanatic would think otherwise.

Do not try to defend yourself with the 99.9% argument. It is probably much less than that if we analyze your posts in this site.

Your constant relative comparison of SP against previous acaryas, shastra AND science shows your true present consciousness.

SP said, you do not jump over the spiritual master, and to me you have not chosen your tree yet. All in the name of science, logic and open mindedness.

In our case, coming from where we come, it is only puffed up individuals that dare to do that.

When you are in doubt, you just jump to very dangerous conclusions, trying to measure with your mind. Mind is not authority, guru is.
What are your qualifications to judge SP in the manner you do?

And, no, we are not mindless robots, we present our doubts to SP and he dispels them. Every time.

But, lets go back to the theme. NASA did not go to the moon. :)

Kula-pavana: Your arrogance is understandable but not acceptable, as we all have this false ego to contend with. Some of us are just more inflated than others. But your insolence to Srila Prabhupada in my opinion is punishable by death. However, that is not my call. Thats gonna be between you, Srila Prabhupada, and KRSNA. It is said that you may insult Krsna and He may tolerate., but to insult His Pure Devotee is an extremely dangerous position to be in. You are indeed an Aparadhe and will be dealt with accordingly.Of this there is no doubt.
As far as Im concerned, this 99% is total bullshit! I can only wish that we meet at some point in time when we engage in battle till the death of your body.

[quote][cite] Priyavrata das:[/cite] I can only wish that we meet at some point in time when we engage in battle till the death of your body.[/quote]

I have met some really brainwashed and violent bhaktas in my 30 years in the movement so I am not surprised at this outburst. It is a pity that such people are tolerated in our movement. In any case, we will all live only as long as we are allowed to by Krsna.

You do not present any arguments, only threats. Next time try to figure out why there is a difference of opinion on the Moon distance between Surya siddhanta as translated by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila Prabhupada. SP wanted his scientist disciples to research Vedic literature and present the Vedic idea of the universe in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. He knew this subject matter requires scientific approach.

Mishra: Speaking of movies to watch regarding this moon matter, theres one out there called; "Capricorn 1". It depicts the elaborate scam that NASA pulled on the gullible American public as well as most of the world. Im not big on movies or TV, but this one came out about 20 or so years ago. Once I heard of its contents, I watched it. It was worth watching as mundane as the subject matter may be. It simply sort of confirmed what most of us already knew.
Kula-pavana: like they say, "you can lead a horse to water... The unimaginable greatness of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is beyond your conception, therefore there is no use in trying to convince you of something other than what your tiny mind is telling you. In this respect, you are most unfortunate. In fact, because of it, your spiritual advancement is stagnated. You can quote and recite every single verse in Shastra, but because you have no understanding of who Prabhupada is, all that knowledge is completely useless. You simply use it to pontificate.
At any rate, as far as the question at hand, as Prabhupada has said in reference to this so-called moon landing, where is the proof?

My last comment to you Kula-pavana is I never make threats.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]But, lets go back to the theme. NASA did not go to the moon. :)[/quote]

There are several man-made mirror arrays on the Moons surface placed there by the Apollo missions. These mirrors can be used to measure current distance (down to a fraction of an inch) to the Moon using laser beams. Over the years it has been used by thousands of scientists from different countries in various research programs. We can argue that this device was dropped on the Moon by an unmanned probe but it is certainly there. Thus NASA did go to the Moon.

More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_laser_ranging_experiment

Sorry to but in Mishra prabhu, but how is that Kula-pavana is so certain that these devices are there. Did he too go there also? :):):) "Where is the proof"???!

[quote][cite] Priyavrata das:[/cite]My last comment to you Kula-pavana is I never make threats.[/quote]

Your statement: "I can only wish that we meet at some point in time when we engage in battle till the death of your body." is a classic threat. Ask any cop you know and he will tell you. You can invent a bogus definition of anything, but the people in general are not so stupid. A threat is a threat, and a blasphemy is a blasphemy. Read the dictionary now and then - it will help you wake up to the reality of life and make you more socially balanced.

[quote][cite] Priyavrata das:[/cite]Sorry to but in Mishra prabhu, but how is that Kula-pavana is so certain that these devices are there. Did he too go there also? :):):) "Where is the proof"???![/quote]

I have not been to China either.

Kula-pavana: "WHERES IS THE PROOF"?

Kula-pavana: you have yet to produce any proof of your foolish statement." Yes they did go to the moon".

So the question about NASA is rhetorical. Prabhupada said we didnt go to the Moon, therefore its true, because Prabhupada is infallible in every area.

[quote][cite] Priyavrata das:[/cite]Kula-pavana: you have yet to produce any proof of your foolish statement." Yes they did go to the moon".[/quote]

Read it again... slowly this time:

There are several man-made mirror arrays on the Moons surface placed there by the Apollo missions. These mirrors can be used to measure current distance (down to a fraction of an inch) to the Moon using laser beams. Over the years it has been used by thousands of scientists from different countries in various research programs. We can argue that this device was dropped on the Moon by an unmanned probe but it is certainly there. Thus NASA did go to the Moon. More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_laser_ranging_experiment

-----

Your ignorance would be almost hilarious if it was not for the fact that when combined with religious fanaticism it can form a very dangerous mix. That is what propelled some people in New Vrindavan to murder. That very mix today propels all kinds of terrorists as well, butchering each other in the Middle-east.

So it boils down to WHO you believe, because there is no way you can be 100% sure.
You have no way to know if NASA is deceiving us but still believe them?
And now the best part, you are asking us to believe you... We will apply your very same philosophy here: we do not follow extremists, but we will follow SP to the extreme in this matter.
We are not talking about killing people in the name of religion, just a scientific question. But you quickly extrapolate to fanaticism. Suddenly everyone that does believe in SP words about the moon is or could become a dangerous terrorist as you imply.
Looks like you mistake strict following of the spiritual master with fanaticism and that is your problem you are trying to project on us.
Scientist can con us certainly or Srila Prabhupada could have made such a huge mistake.
I choose Srila Prabhupada any time. Good luck :)

summary:

You have no way to be sure 100%
so logic and understanding come to be the only way
you have to choose between SP and NASA
you choose NASA based on your own fear of fanaticism
you contradict SP statement based on your interpretation of shastra
you make offenses to SP and his followers
its very sad.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]So it boils down to WHO you believe, because there is no way you can be 100% sure.
You have no way to know if NASA is deceiving us but still believe them?
And now the best part, you are asking us to believe you... We will apply your very same philosophy here: we do not follow extremists, but we will follow SP to the extreme in this matter.
We are not talking about killing people in the name of religion, just a scientific question. But you quickly extrapolate to fanaticism. Suddenly everyone that does believe in SP words about the moon is or could become a dangerous terrorist as you imply.
Looks like you mistake strict following of the spiritual master with fanaticism and that is your problem you are trying to project on us.
Scientist can con us certainly or Srila Prabhupada could have made such a huge mistake.
I choose Srila Prabhupada any time. Good luck :)

summary:

You have no way to be sure 100%
so logic and understanding come to be the only way
you have to choose between SP and NASA
you choose NASA based on your own fear of fanaticism
you contradict SP statement based on your interpretation of shastra
you make offenses to SP and his followers
its very sad.[/quote]
Simply accepting a non-scientists opinion on a scientific subject because he is an authority on spiritual matters is not scientific.

are you talking about Dr Frogg? I prefer mother Veda.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]are you talking about Dr Frogg? I prefer mother Veda.[/quote]
Yes I understand the analogy which was meant to underscore the inadequacy of natural science in understanding spiritual matters.
It does not apply in this case, which is the exact opposite situation, a spiritualist making pronouncements about the material world.
Sort of like a priest discussing cell biology.

....spiritual AND material matters out of reach the material imperfect senses.... remember?

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]....spiritual AND material matters out of reach the material imperfect senses.... remember?[/quote]
So that makes the spiritualist perfect materially - become expert in all departments of material knowledge?

... on matters out of reach of our imperfect senses (that means material matters too, hey) there is only one way: the information given to us by shastra and pure devotees. But the puffed up Dr Frogg thinks he is sooooo clever... :)
Even dares to juggle with shastra sometimes.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]... on matters out of reach of our imperfect senses (that means material matters too, hey) there is only one way: the information given to us by shastra and pure devotees. But the puffed up Dr Frogg thinks he is sooooo clever... :)
Even dares to juggle with shastra sometimes.[/quote]
So empirical science is useless.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]So it boils down to WHO you believe, because there is no way you can be 100% sure.
You have no way to know if NASA is deceiving us but still believe them?.[/quote]

It is not based on trusting NASA alone because thousands of independent scientists are involved all over the world and the technology is readily available. ---- To give you a very practical example: I have a device called laser range finder. I use it in my rifle sharpshooting practice, to get a precise distance to a target required for long range shots. This device measures a distance to an object using a laser beam. It emits a burst of very focused light which travels to the distant object, bounces back from it, and goes back to the instrument. The time it takes this pulse of light to come back is converted to a distance between me and this object. It is very, very accurate and I can measure distance to objects half a mile away or more if they are highly reflective (such as mirror). It is a $300 device and it is not very powerful. Many laboratories and astronomical observatories all over the world have laser range finders hundreds of thousands times more powerful than mine (and costing millions of dollars) and they easily measure the current distance to the Moon using mirrors placed on the Moon by NASA.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]... on matters out of reach of our imperfect senses (that means material matters too, hey) there is only one way: the information given to us by shastra and pure devotees. [/quote]

Srila Prabhupada was flying around the world not on vedic vimanas he created out of flowers, but on airplanes built by western scientists. Same with you. Seems to me that these scientists deserve a lot more credit in the field of science (and astronomy is a science) than people like you are willing to give them. Unless you can produce an actual flying machine built based on vedic knowledge that is better than a B747, you should have a lot more humble attitude towards material science. People like you made a laughing stock out ouf our movement in the field of science.

SP was using material advancement to destroy materialism and that is intelligence.

We are not against science, that is your interpretation. We are against materialistic science, which by the way is mainstream.
Are you a scientist? First "laughing stock" is to speak of science without being a scientist. Wrangling with scientific theories mixed with shastra quotes and different acaryas. That would be hilarious if were not being a disgrace.

Better to keep safe within Srila Prabhupada'b4s statements. It is you that are in no mans land.

Your most revered science has done much more ill and destruction than good to Humanity. Not to speak of promoting darwinism, materialism and pure sense gratification.

If we are "laughing stock out off our movement in the field of science", so what? People like you that are so preoccupied to be "nice to scientists" can even change the original SP books and what not to please who you are enamored with.

I, "kick in their face with a boot" with pleasure. And the face of those who support them wholeheartedly.

I recommend you the bhakta program online to revise and go over again these basic principles:

http://vedalearn.wordpress.com

specially lesson four "Preaching" and its respective test.

The problem with the wholesale denigration of modern science in favor of a cosmology that has a chariot pulling the Sun, is that it destroys the intellectual credibility of the true believers. It invokes the spectre of Galileo being tried by the Catholic Church, and primitive tribes afraid of mirrors because they think it steals their soul. I have a strong scientific background, a degree in mathematics and am a computer programmer. I dont believe the moon landing was a hoax. The technology is there and it works.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]Are you a scientist? First "laughing stock" is to speak of science without being a scientist. [/quote]

Yes. I currently manage an analytical laboratory with over 20 scientists, primarily chemists and biologists.

[quote][cite] mishra:[/cite]
If we are "laughing stock out off our movement in the field of science", so what? People like you that are so preoccupied to be "nice to scientists" can even change the original SP books and what not to please who you are enamored with.[/quote]

If we are claiming to be presenting the science of self-realisation" or the "science of God" than our approach must be based on the scientific methodology and not on mere dogma and sentiment. When devotees like you disregard the scientific method and instead adopt the dogma of "my guru is always right" than we are no better than the Bible-thumpers preaching their sectarian religion on street corners. And such preaching appeals only to simple-minded fanatics.

OK, being both of you scientists, then I can see now clearly that you have a different approach. In my preaching years I could experiment that and I accept my incapability as a fact.
My words always will be too simple for you, but remember not all people are scientist and need your level of detail. And there is no need to be a scientist to go back home back to Godhead.
You need to contact Bhaktivedanta Institute, they will be able to help to clear your doubts and special needs.

I can see now clearly that you have a different approach, being both of you scientists. In my preaching years I could experiment that and I accept my incapability to convince you as a fact.
My words always will be too simple for you, but remember not all people are scientist and need your level of detail. And there is no need to be a scientist to go back home back to Godhead.
You need to contact Bhaktivedanta Institute, they will be able to help to clear your doubts and special needs.
http://www.binstitute.org

I spoke with Sadaputa Prabhu at length several times in the last 20 years and we had virtually identical views on this issue.

"Two years ago the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA, sent a space vehicle in orbit around the moon with a number of scientific missions on it'92s agenda. One of which was to make a topographic map of the moon using special cameras." http://harekrishnamoon.wordpress.com/

Not sure I trust NASA audting its own activities. But the 3D mapping by the Japanese is interesting,