Satellites and space probes are pricey bits of kit – so why the hell are the ESA smashing SMART-1 into the surface of the moon on purpose? Two reasons: first up, SMART-1 has met all of the goals of its three year mission with great results, including successfully testing a new ion engine design and comprehensively mapping the Lunar surface; and secondly, as there’s no way to get it back to Earth, they might as well let it go out in a blaze of glory which will also supply valuable data on lunar impacts. Amateur astronomers should man their ‘scopes at around 5:40 am (GMT) on Saturday September 2nd.