Japan’s Moon lander, known as the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has regained functionality, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced on Monday, marking a significant turnaround after its rocky touchdown on January 20.
Communication Restored: A Boost for Japan’s Space Ambitions
After nine days of uncertainty following its awkward landing, JAXA successfully established communication with SLIM, allowing the resumption of scientific operations.The lander’s multiband spectroscopic camera has already captured initial observations, showcasing the potential of its mission.
Mission Challenges and Successes: Overcoming Adversity
SLIM’s descent, characterized as the “20 minutes of terror,” encountered engine issues, leading to a skewed landing angle. Despite concerns about solar panel orientation, which initially threatened power supply, SLIM now has enough sunlight to operate effectively. Notably, it landed within a precise 100-meter zone, showcasing Japan’s technical prowess in lunar exploration.
Future Endeavors and Global Space Race
As SLIM prepares to delve into investigating the Moon’s mantle, Japan’s success adds momentum to global lunar exploration efforts. With countries like Russia, China, and private firms like Astrobotic aiming for lunar missions, competition and collaboration in space exploration continue to intensify, reshaping humanity’s reach beyond Earth.
(With inputs from agencies)
Communication Restored: A Boost for Japan’s Space Ambitions
After nine days of uncertainty following its awkward landing, JAXA successfully established communication with SLIM, allowing the resumption of scientific operations.The lander’s multiband spectroscopic camera has already captured initial observations, showcasing the potential of its mission.
Mission Challenges and Successes: Overcoming Adversity
SLIM’s descent, characterized as the “20 minutes of terror,” encountered engine issues, leading to a skewed landing angle. Despite concerns about solar panel orientation, which initially threatened power supply, SLIM now has enough sunlight to operate effectively. Notably, it landed within a precise 100-meter zone, showcasing Japan’s technical prowess in lunar exploration.
Future Endeavors and Global Space Race
As SLIM prepares to delve into investigating the Moon’s mantle, Japan’s success adds momentum to global lunar exploration efforts. With countries like Russia, China, and private firms like Astrobotic aiming for lunar missions, competition and collaboration in space exploration continue to intensify, reshaping humanity’s reach beyond Earth.
(With inputs from agencies)
