Japan’s space research marks its significant milestone On December 25, 2023, Christmas Day, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) successfully reached lunar orbit.
SLIM, Japan’s first attempt to land on the moon, is scheduled for January 19, 2024.
The spacecraft, designed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is intended to land at Shioli, a tiny crater on the moon’s near side, within 100 meters of its target location.
SLIM, which was launched on September 6, 2023, utilized a deep space loop, a lunar flyby, and a fuel-efficient route to save mission expenses and conserve fuel. With unparalleled precision, the spacecraft’s optical navigation system locates the intended landing spot using maps from Japan’s Kaguya orbiter.
SLIM got the 3D-printed aluminum lattice :
Crushable, 3D-printed aluminum lattice landing legs are a feature of the SLIM design that help with impact absorption and optimum alignment. If SLIM is successful, it might transform next planetary and lunar missions by enabling precise landings at locations that are important to science.
Japan intends to visit the Moon :
These views are also focused on a specific region in order to demonstrate “pinpoint” landings, with the use of the inventive navigation and landing technologies. The test mission may serve as a working model for a precise, lightweight spaceship that lands on the moon.
In addition, if it is successful, Japan would become the fifth nation to soft land on the moon, a few months after India moved up to the fourth spot with Chandrayaan-3.
Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) :
The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was launched late on September 6, 2023, from the Tanegashima spaceport in Japan, atop an H-IIA rocket.
SLIM was launched in tandem with the XRISM X-ray space observatory, and instead of aiming directly for the Moon, it first entered an initial low Earth orbit.
It will be a worthwhile trip to the Moon even if Slim has embarked on an exceptionally lengthy journey.
The Japanese spacecraft SLIM is scheduled to settle on the rim of Shioli crater in lunar orbit. It is estimated that the spacecraft cost 18 billion yen ($120 million) to create. In order to prepare for landing, the spacecraft will spend around a month in lunar orbit.
Close encounter with the lunar region :
With the aid of an optical navigation system that is loaded with maps from Japan’s Kaguya lunar orbiter, the mission seeks to land within 100 meters of its target site. In order to measure its height during descent, the spacecraft will also be equipped with a laser range finder and a landing radar.
By concentrating on certain locations to answer scientific inquiries, SLIM’s mission design seeks to change the norms for lunar landing missions. Additionally, the mission will include payloads for fascinating scientific research on the lunar surface.
The presence and exposure of mineral olivine on Shioli’s slopes, as suggested by SELENE data, may provide information on the origins and development of the Moon.
Multi-Band Camera (MBC) – composition of olivine :
By examining sunlight spectra, the Multi-Band Camera (MBC) on board SLIM will ascertain the composition of olivine. It is anticipated that SLIM will function on the Moon for a single lunar day before its electronics are rendered useless by the extreme cold of the lunar night.
In the event that SLIM is successful, it will create history and offer fresh perspectives on the Moon’s past that will be carried over to subsequent missions.
