Japan’s SLIM Moon Lander Powers Down After Collecting Final Images and Data
Japan’s SLIM moon lander, known as the “Smart Lander for Investigating Moon,” has completed its mission by collecting valuable images and scientific data. Despite facing engine troubles during landing, SLIM successfully touched down on the rim of Shioli crater on January 19. Although the spacecraft’s solar cells initially faced westward, preventing them from receiving sufficient sunlight, SLIM reawakened after nearly 10 days when the sun finally shone on its panels.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), responsible for operating SLIM, utilized the spacecraft’s Multi-Band Camera (MBC) to scan the lunar surface and analyze its composition. By examining the light signatures or spectra of reflected sunlight, the MBC aimed to identify minerals such as olivine. This data will contribute to a better understanding of the moon’s composition.
JAXA’s SLIM account on X, formerly Twitter, shared a final image taken by SLIM’s navigation camera on January 31. The agency confirmed that the spacecraft had entered a dormant state as expected. However, JAXA plans to attempt to reactivate SLIM in mid-February when the sun will once again illuminate its solar cells.
The next challenge for JAXA is to wait out the lunar nighttime, which lasts approximately 14.5 Earth days. Following this period, they must wait for favorable lighting and temperature conditions during the next lunar daytime, starting around February 15, before attempting to revive SLIM. The electronics of the probe must withstand the extreme temperatures of equatorial lunar nighttime, which can drop as low as minus 208 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 130 degrees Celsius).
Regardless of whether SLIM wakes up, it has already achieved its mission goals. These include a precision landing, successful deployment of two small rovers, and the acquisition of a wealth of scientific data. The spacecraft has surpassed expectations and demonstrated its capabilities.
SLIM’s X account also shared labeled images of the targets observed by the MBC’s spectroscopic imaging. These images showcase the rocks and regolith that are currently under study. JAXA is now analyzing the extensive data collected to identify rocks and estimate the chemical composition of minerals. This research will contribute to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the moon’s origin.
JAXA intends to release scientific results as soon as they become available. The agency’s dedication to sharing knowledge and discoveries highlights their commitment to advancing lunar exploration and expanding our understanding of the moon.
In conclusion, Japan’s SLIM moon lander has completed an impressive mission, overcoming initial challenges to collect valuable data and images. Although it has entered a dormant state during the lunar nighttime, JAXA plans to revive SLIM in mid-February. Regardless of its future, SLIM has already achieved significant milestones and contributed to our understanding of the moon’s composition. JAXA’s commitment to sharing scientific results ensures that we will continue to learn from this groundbreaking mission.