In a notable milestone on January 19, Japan's space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), celebrated the successful pinpoint landing of its moon-lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). However, this triumph was not without its share of challenges, as revealed in a recent JAXA statement on January 25, shedding light on the intricate narrative of SLIM's lunar descent.
SLIM's Journey: Precision
Amidst Power Challenges
This article delves into the details of SLIM's mission, exploring the careful planning that went into its construction. JAXA's innovative approach of sending SLIM on a fuel-conserving, meandering path toward the moon set the stage for its primary mission – landing within a compact 100 m by 100 m patch on the lunar surface, earning it the moniker "moon sniper."
Key Moments: Navigating
Obstacles and Addressing Engine Failures
Despite facing solar panel failures that initially hindered landing precision confirmation, SLIM demonstrated a controlled descent, avoiding damage to crucial components. The revelation of one of SLIM's two main engines failing during descent adds complexity to the mission, raising questions about the connection between engine failure and solar panel issues.
Mapping the Way: Utilizing
Chandrayaan 2 Data for Accurate Landing
At a critical juncture, SLIM utilized data from the Chandrayaan 2 orbiter, integrating maps of the moon's surface with images captured by its navigation camera. This synergy enabled SLIM to identify and navigate around obstacles, offering insights into the advanced technology deployed for achieving pinpoint landing.
Collaborative Prospects:
JAXA and ISRO's Lunar Ventures
This article underscores the collaborative efforts between JAXA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), showcasing their shared commitment to the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission. This forthcoming lunar surface mission is poised to build on SLIM's accomplishments, providing valuable insights into soft-landing in the challenging terrains of the moon's south pole region.
JAXA's Leading Role in Lunar Exploration
As JAXA secures its place as the fifth country to softly land a robotic instrument on the moon, the article concludes by emphasizing the significance of SLIM's technology demonstration. Despite challenges, JAXA has successfully achieved pinpoint landing within an impressive 100 m accuracy, setting the stage for future lunar exploration endeavors.
By examining the intricacies of JAXA's moon-landing mission, this article aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the challenges, successes, and collaborative initiatives that define Japan's space exploration journey.
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Space Force