Japan’s Moon Lander Survives Unexpectedly
Japan’s valiant Moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), also known as the “Moon Sniper,” has defied odds by surviving its second ultra-chilly long lunar night. The SLIM achieved a soft lunar landing in January, marking Japan as the fifth nation to accomplish this milestone.
Landing Challenges
The unmanned lightweight spacecraft, equipped with a mini-rover, encountered challenges upon landing due to a wrong angle that caused its solar panels to face the wrong direction. Despite this setback, the probe managed to revive itself in late February, following the conclusion of the lunar night which lasts approximately 14 Earth days.
Resilience in Extreme Conditions
Enduring temperatures as low as -130 degrees Celsius (-200 degrees Fahrenheit), the Moon lander transmitted new images back to Earth after surviving the harsh conditions of the lunar environment. The spacecraft’s ability to withstand such extreme cold showcases its resilience and advanced technology.
Probe Status Update
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently announced that the probe was put back to sleep on Sunday after conducting necessary operations to check the status of its devices. Despite some malfunctions in certain functions of the multi-band camera (MBC), it continues to operate, with JAXA monitoring its condition closely.
Exploring Lunar Rocks
The mission aims to study rocks around lunar craters, believed to contain material from the Moon’s mantle. These rocks could provide valuable insights into the Moon’s formation process, offering clues about the lunar composition and history.