Japan’s first moon lander has demonstrated its resilience by enduring a third freezing lunar night. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed the lander’s survival on Wednesday after receiving an image from the device three months after its lunar landing. During a lunar night, temperatures can drop to a bone-chilling minus 170 degrees Celsius (minus 274 degrees Fahrenheit), posing a significant challenge to any spacecraft. However, the lunar probe, known as Smart Lander for Investing Moon (SLIM), has proven its durability, with its key functions remaining operational despite the extreme temperature fluctuations.
SLIM’s successful landing on January 20 made Japan the fifth nation to successfully place a probe on the moon. However, the lander initially encountered difficulties, landing upside down with its solar panels unable to access sunlight. After being turned off within hours, SLIM was reactivated eight days later when the sun rose.
SLIM’s primary mission involves testing Japan’s pinpoint landing technology and collecting geological data and images. Despite not being designed to survive lunar nights, the lander has exceeded expectations by enduring three such cycles. JAXA remains optimistic about SLIM’s continued operation, closely monitoring its deterioration to gain insights into the moon’s surface and composition.
Scientists are particularly interested in comparing the mineral compositions of moon rocks and Earth rocks to unravel clues about the moon’s origins. SLIM’s successful performance is a testament to Japan’s growing space exploration capabilities and its determination to unlock the mysteries of our celestial neighbor.
