Japan’s Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has once again surprised scientists by waking up after a two-week lunar night. Despite landing at a wonky angle that initially left its solar panels facing the wrong way, SLIM managed to come back to life for two days and conduct scientific observations of a crater with a high-spec camera. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) expressed uncertainty about SLIM’s ability to withstand the harsh lunar nights, but the lander proved its resilience by responding to commands and surviving a night on the Moon’s surface while maintaining communication functions.
SLIM, also known as the “Moon Sniper” for its precision landing technology, successfully touched down within its target landing zone on January 20. This achievement was a significant win for Japan’s space program, especially after a series of recent failures. However, during its descent, the craft encountered engine problems that caused it to end up on its side, resulting in the solar panels facing west instead of upwards. Despite these challenges, SLIM’s mission aims to examine a part of the Moon’s mantle, a deep layer beneath its crust, that is believed to be accessible. This exploration is crucial for understanding the origins of the Moon and Earth, as well as investigating potential water resources that could support future lunar bases and space travel missions to Mars.
JAXA’s success with SLIM comes at a time when several countries, including Russia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, are actively pursuing lunar exploration missions. The recent launch of Japan’s new flagship H3 rocket on February 17 further demonstrates the nation’s commitment to space exploration. Meanwhile, the United States has also made strides in lunar exploration with the recent landing of the Odysseus lander near the lunar south pole. Despite facing challenges during its descent, the spacecraft is expected to provide valuable data and insights about the Moon’s surface.
Although JAXA has achieved success with SLIM, previous Japanese lunar missions have encountered difficulties. In 2022, the country’s lunar probe named Omotenashi failed to successfully complete its mission as part of the United States’ Artemis 1 program. Additionally, a Japanese startup called ispace faced challenges in April last year when its attempt to become the first private company to land on the Moon resulted in a loss of communication with the spacecraft after a “hard landing”. These setbacks underscore the technical and operational complexities involved in lunar exploration missions.
As countries continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, international collaborations and partnerships will play a crucial role in advancing lunar research and missions. The successful operation of SLIM by JAXA highlights the importance of innovation, resilience, and perseverance in overcoming challenges associated with lunar exploration. By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of global space agencies and private companies, humanity can unlock the mysteries of the Moon and pave the way for future space exploration endeavors. Japan’s achievements with SLIM serve as a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie beyond Earth’s atmosphere, inspiring generations to reach for the stars.
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