Japan’s SLIM Lander Experiences Another Setback on the Moon
The resilient Japanese lander hangs on, but challenges persist
After defying the odds and miraculously coming back online more than a week ago, the SLIM lander, a Japanese space agency project, finds itself facing another hurdle. Scheduled to endure the harsh, two-week lunar night, the lander remains dormant for the time being, with uncertainties hanging over its future operations.
Nightfall and a Challenging Lunar Night
The SLIM team, led by the Japanese space agency JAXA, recently shared the last image captured by the lander before sunset at the moon’s Shioli crater. The sight of approaching darkness and a subsequent lunar night, lasting approximately two Earth weeks and subjecting the lander to intolerable temperatures plummeting below -200 degrees Fahrenheit, raised concerns among the team.
A Star That Flickers
Discovering that the SLIM lander had gone dormant, observers from the lander’s team remained hopeful. However, the chances of the lander reactivating post-lunar-night are uncertain, since it primarily relies on solar power. The team plans to attempt to reactivate SLIM’s solar cells in mid-February, once the sunlight catches it again, stirring optimism among scientists and space enthusiasts.
A Glimpse into the Unknown
If the last image taken by SLIM before entering its temporary dormancy truly turns out to be its final one, it will undoubtedly be remembered for its eerie essence. Despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, the lander’s unexpected revival and persistent determinations have already left an indelible impression, reminding the world of the remarkable resilience of scientific advancements.
