Japan's Lunar Lander Survives 14 Earth Days on Moon, Sends New Picture

Japan's first lunar lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has exceeded expectations by surviving a third freezing lunar night on the Moon's surface. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that SLIM responded to a signal from Earth on Tuesday night, indicating its key functions are still working despite the extreme temperature changes.

SLIM landed on the lunar surface on January 20, 2024, making Japan the fifth country to successfully place a probe on the Moon. Although the lightweight spacecraft was not designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar nights, where temperatures can plummet to -170°C, it has continued to operate and transmit data back to Earth.

On May 8, SLIM sent a new image captured by its onboard camera, providing valuable insights into the Moon's geological features and the lander's condition. The image was taken during a period of low sun elevation, casting long shadows that highlighted the contours of the lunar landscape surrounding the lander.

Why this matters: SLIM's longevity and resilience in the face of challenging lunar conditions mark a significant milestone for Japan's space program. The successful operation of the lander demonstrates the effectiveness of Japan's pinpoint landing technology and sets the stage for future lunar exploration missions, including collaborative efforts with other space agencies.

JAXA plans to closely monitor SLIM's deterioration as it experiences repeated cycles of extreme temperature changes. The data collected by the lander will contribute to ongoing scientific studies aimed at understanding the Moon's origins and geological composition.

The news of SLIM's survival comes amidst other recent developments in lunar exploration. NASA recently restored contact with Voyager 1, the farthest space probe from Earth, while a U.S. lunar probe developed by a private company announced the termination of its operation a month after landing in February. Additionally, an Indian moon lander, Chandrayaan-2, successfully captured high-resolution images of SLIM resting on the lunar surface, demonstrating the capabilities of its advanced instrumentation.

"The images from Chandrayaan-2 have a resolution of 16 cm per pixel, which is exceptionally high quality," a JAXA spokesperson stated. "The data from these images will contribute to ongoing scientific studies and future mission planning, particularly for collaborative efforts between India and Japan, such as the upcoming Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission."

Key Takeaways

• Japan's SLIM lunar lander has survived 3 freezing lunar nights on the Moon.
• SLIM landed on the Moon in January 2024, making Japan the 5th country to land a probe.
• SLIM's longevity demonstrates Japan's precise landing technology for future lunar missions.
• SLIM's data will contribute to studies on the Moon's origins and geology.
• India's Chandrayaan-2 orbiter captured high-res images of SLIM on the lunar surface.