Japan's first moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has successfully endured its third freezing lunar night, as confirmed by Japan's space agency. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) received an image from the lunar probe three months after its landing on the moon, indicating its resilience.
During a lunar night, temperatures on the moon can plummet to as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius (minus 274 degrees Fahrenheit), only to rise to around 100 degrees Celsius (212 Fahrenheit) during a lunar day. Despite these extreme temperature fluctuations, SLIM has managed to respond to signals from Earth, proving its survival capabilities.
SLIM made its historic landing on the lunar surface on January 20, marking Japan as the fifth country to achieve this milestone. Initially landing upside down, with its solar panels unable to receive sunlight, the probe had to be shut down shortly after landing. However, it powered back on when the sun rose eight days later, showcasing its adaptability.
The primary objectives of SLIM include testing Japan's pinpoint landing technology, collecting geological data, and capturing images of the moon's surface. While the lander was not specifically designed to withstand lunar nights, JAXA has reported that its key functions are still operational despite the challenging temperature conditions. The agency plans to closely monitor the lander's condition for any signs of deterioration.
Scientists are eager to analyze the mineral compositions of moon rocks collected by SLIM to gain insights into the moon's origins and its relationship with Earth. This research could provide valuable information about the formation and evolution of the moon.
SLIM's successful communication with Earth comes in the wake of other lunar missions facing challenges. NASA recently restored contact with Voyager 1, the farthest space probe from Earth, after months of receiving distorted data. In contrast, a U.S. lunar probe developed by a private space company ceased operations a month after landing in February, while an Indian moon lander failed to establish communication following its touchdown in 2023.
