Japanese Moon Lander, SLIM, Defies Odds with Unexpected Revival
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the revival of SLIM on February 25, signaling a surprising development for the spacecraft that had been inactive during the lunar night.
In a remarkable turn of events, Japan's lunar mission, known as the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has reestablished communication after surviving the harsh conditions of a lunar night, defying initial expectations of its demise.
Last night, a command was sent to #SLIM and a response received, confirming that the spacecraft has made it through the lunar night and maintained communication capabilities! 🌝🛰 #GoodAfterMoon #JAXA
— 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) February 26, 2024
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the revival of SLIM on February 25, signaling a surprising development for the spacecraft that had been inactive during the lunar night. Despite concerns about its ability to withstand the extreme cold of the moon's nights, SLIM managed to awaken.
SLIM's landing on January 19 marked a significant milestone for Japan, positioning the country among the few to achieve successful robotic lunar landings.
However, the mission encountered challenges during descent, including an engine malfunction that led to an unconventional landing orientation with its solar panels facing away from the sun.