In a remarkable feat, Japan’s Moon Sniper spacecraft has flawlessly touched down on the moon, establishing a connection with the ground station. However, a significant setback has emerged as the solar cells fail to generate power, as reported by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on Friday.
Moon Landing Attempt: SLIM Faces Solar Power Hurdle
JAXA initiated the landing operation of the lander named “Moon Sniper,” aiming for a precise touchdown within 100 meters of the target. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, descended onto the lunar surface at approximately 8:50 pm. While communication with the ground station was re-established, the solar panels encountered difficulties in producing electricity.
“SLIM is currently relying solely on its battery, and our top priority is transferring its data back to Earth,” stated Hitoshi Kuninaka, the head of JAXA’s space lab, during a press conference.
Current Status and Mission Focus
Despite the solar power challenge, SLIM continues its operation using its onboard battery. JAXA emphasizes the urgency of transferring the collected data to Earth, underscoring the importance of the mission’s scientific goals.
Launch and Ambitions
Launched atop the H-IIA rocket in September from the southern island of Tanegashima, the Moon Sniper probe aspires to achieve a precise and targeted touchdown. Success in this endeavor would position Japan as the fifth country, following the United States, Russia, China, and India, to successfully land a probe on the Moon.
Unveiling the SLIM Lander’s Objectives
Aim of the Moon Sniper Lander
The SLIM lander, equipped with compact lunar probes, aims to achieve a pinpoint landing, commonly referred to as the ‘Moon Sniper’ in Japanese. Featuring lightweight equipment tailored for advanced observations and adaptable landings on resource-scarce planets, SLIM represents a significant leap in exploration strategies.
Precision Landing and Exploration Advancements
JAXA highlights the primary goal of demonstrating landing accuracy within 100 meters, specifically within the designated 4 km x 2.4 km landing area for Chandrayaan-3. This groundbreaking achievement showcases the SLIM lander’s qualitative shift, enabling precise landings at designated locations—a departure from the conventional approach of opting for easier landing spots.
In conclusion, while facing the solar power challenge, Japan’s SLIM lander’s successful moon landing marks a crucial milestone in lunar exploration, contributing to advancements in precision landing technologies and paving the way for future space exploration endeavors.
