NASA Orbiter Captures Images of Japan’s SLIM Moon Lander on Lunar Surface
In a groundbreaking achievement, Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) has successfully made a soft landing on the lunar surface. Operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), SLIM touched down on January 19, becoming the fifth country to achieve this feat after India, China, the United States, and Russia. Now, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has captured images of SLIM on the moon’s surface from its orbit 50 miles above.
The images taken by LRO showcase SLIM resting at its landing site, with bright streaks on the left side of the image indicating rocky material ejected from the nearby Shioli crater. These images provide a before-and-after comparison, allowing scientists to observe changes in reflectance on the lunar surface caused by the lander’s engine exhaust.
Despite encountering an engine failure during descent that caused it to end up upside down, SLIM achieved its primary objective of landing at a chosen site with remarkable precision. It touched down within 328 feet of its target, showcasing its advanced navigation capabilities. However, due to its orientation, SLIM is currently unable to utilize its solar panels for generating electricity and is relying solely on its battery.
On January 21, SLIM’s battery capacity dropped to 12%, prompting a power down to prevent over-discharge and ensure the possibility of a recovery operation. The SLIM team members are hopeful that if sunlight shines on the lander from the lunar west, the solar panels might be able to absorb enough sunshine to generate power and recover.
Despite this setback, SLIM has managed to deploy two mini-rovers it carried to the moon, known as EV-1 and LEV-2. Both rovers are operating as planned, with LEV-2 even capturing an image of its upside-down host, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the mission.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Japan’s space exploration efforts and contributes to our understanding of the moon’s surface. SLIM’s successful landing and the deployment of its rovers demonstrate the technological prowess of JAXA and their commitment to advancing lunar exploration.
As we continue to explore the moon and prepare for future manned missions, each successful landing brings us closer to unlocking the secrets of our celestial neighbor. The images captured by NASA’s LRO provide a glimpse into the progress made by SLIM and serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts of international space agencies in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
The SLIM mission serves as a reminder of the importance of space exploration and the potential it holds for scientific discoveries. As we look to the future, we can expect further advancements in lunar exploration, with more countries joining the ranks of those who have successfully landed on the moon. With each new mission, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and expanding our horizons beyond Earth.
