Japanese Moon Probe SLIM Resumes Mission After Power Loss
After several days without sunlight, a Japanese moon probe has successfully resumed its mission. The probe, known as the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), experienced a precision touchdown on January 20 but landed upside down, rendering its solar panels useless. Without sunlight, the probe was unable to generate power. However, with the onset of the lunar day, the probe regained power and established communication with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
JAXA announced on Monday that the probe is now able to take pictures of the Moon’s surface and transmit them back to Earth. Prior to regaining power, the agency used the probe’s battery power to gather as much data as possible about the landing and its surroundings. The probe was then powered off until the sun rose higher in the lunar sky.
With power restored, SLIM is now working to analyze the composition of olivine rocks on the lunar surface using its multi-band spectral camera. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the Moon’s origin and evolution. Previous observations suggest that the Moon may have formed as a result of an impact between Earth and another planet.
Japan: Moon lander Slim comes back to life and resumes mission https://t.co/RpyiQF4HQN
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 29, 2024
JAXA shared a black-and-white photo on social media, showcasing the rocky lunar surface. The agency also revealed that one of the rocks in the image has been named “Toy Poodle.” The probe is currently analyzing six rocks, all of which have been given names of different dog breeds.
According to JAXA, SLIM is expected to have enough sunlight to continue operations for several Earth days, possibly until Thursday. However, it remains uncertain whether the probe will be able to function after enduring another severely cold lunar night.
During landing, SLIM successfully released two autonomous probes, which recorded data about the landing and the lunar environment. With this achievement, Japan has become the fifth country in the world to touch down on the Moon’s surface, following the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India.
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