SEOUL: South Korea's first lunar orbiter, has sent images of Earth and the Moon in black and white, according to the national space center on Tuesday.

A SpaceX rocket from the United States was used to put Danuri, a mashup of the Korean words for "Moon" and "enjoy," into lunar orbit last month.

The photographs, captured between December 24 and January 1, depict the lunar surface and Earth and were obtained from a distance of fewer than 120 kilometers (75 miles) above the Moon, according to a statement from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).

The photos and videos would be "used to choose potential sites for a Moon landing in 2032." According to the center, Danuri circles the Moon every two hours.

Next month, the orbiter will start its scientific mission, which will involve mapping and analyzing the lunar topography as well as monitoring gamma rays and magnetic field strength. By sending pictures and movies to Earth, it will also test experimental "space internet" technology.

Danuri's accomplishments have been praised by President Yoon Suk-yeol as a "historical moment" in the nation's space program.

Aiming to land a spacecraft on Mars and the Moon by 2045, respectively, South Korea has grandiose goals for the solar system.