Japan’s SLIM Moon Probe Lands with Pinpoint Precision

• SLIM moon probe lands precisely, showcasing advanced navigation.
• JAXA receives landing data in 2 hours, optimistic about power despite tilt.
• Boosts Japan’s lunar exploration role, affirming space ambitions.

In a groundbreaking achievement for Japan’s space program, the nation’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) probe has successfully landed on the lunar surface with unparalleled precision. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced on Thursday that the SLIM probe touched down within a few meters of its target, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.

The “pinpoint” landing was reported to have an accuracy of approximately 3 to 4 meters, according to Shinichiro Sakai, the project manager for the SLIM lander. This precision far surpasses conventional landing accuracies, which typically allow for deviations of several kilometers.

The SLIM probe, often dubbed the “moon sniper,” utilized advanced “vision-based” navigation technology for its descent. This technology is seen as a crucial tool for future lunar exploration, especially in the challenging terrain of hilly moon poles that are believed to hold valuable resources such as fuel, water, and oxygen.

JAXA received all data related to the landing within 2 hours and 37 minutes after the touchdown, demonstrating the efficiency of the mission’s communication systems. However, the SLIM lander encountered a challenge as one of its main engines likely ceased operation in the final phase of the touchdown, causing the probe to be in an unintended position.

The SLIM lander, now tilted on the gentle slope of a lunar crater, deployed a wheeled rover, LEV-2, which captured images of the moon’s surface. The lander’s solar panels were unable to generate electricity due to the unintended tilt, but JAXA expressed optimism that a change in the direction of sunlight could potentially restore power to the probe.

Japan’s success in precise lunar landing comes at a crucial time for its space program, which has faced recent setbacks, including the launch failure of the flagship rocket H3 in March. The nation aims to play a more significant role in space exploration by partnering with the United States to counter China.

With plans to send astronauts to the moon in the coming years, Japan’s space ambitions remain high, despite previous challenges. The SLIM mission’s success adds momentum to Japan’s commitment to lunar exploration and positions the country as a key player in the evolving landscape of space exploration.

As Japan celebrates this remarkable achievement, eyes are now on upcoming lunar missions by various countries, including the United States’ Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 lander set for a mid-February launch, China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft planned for the first half of the year, and NASA’s lunar polar exploration rover VIPER scheduled for November.

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