Title: Japan’s SLIM Moon Lander Discovered on Lunar Surface by NASA’s LRO
In an exciting discovery, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has spotted Japan’s SLIM moon lander on the lunar surface, making it the fifth country to successfully achieve a soft landing on the moon. The SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) probe had touched down on January 19th and has since been closely examined by NASA’s lunar satellite.
NASA’s recent images provide valuable insights into SLIM’s landing site both before and after touchdown. These images clearly depict changes in reflectance, caused mainly by the lander’s engine exhaust. Despite experiencing an engine failure during descent, SLIM managed to land near its designated target with astonishing accuracy.
However, the lander currently lies upside down, rendering its solar panels useless. It’s entirely reliant on its internal battery for operational needs. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) scientists are hopeful that if sunlight reaches the lander, it may be able to generate power and recover.
The SLIM lander also deployed two mini-rovers, EV-1 and LEV-2, which are functioning according to plan. In an astonishing maneuver, LEV-2 even managed to capture an image of its upside-down host, providing a unique perspective of the lander’s current predicament.
SLIM’s mission is of great significance, aiming to study the moon’s underground water resources and gain an enhanced understanding of the lunar surface. Successful data collection from this mission would not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also pave the way for future lunar expeditions.
The lunar achievements of Japan, the United States, Russia, China, and India have demonstrated an increasing global interest in exploring the moon and furthering our understanding of these celestial bodies. Collaborative efforts in space exploration continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge, fostering international cooperation on various space missions.
As scientists and space enthusiasts eagerly await further updates on SLIM’s mission, the discovery of the lander on the lunar surface serves as a testament to Japan’s technological prowess and determination to contribute to the exploration of outer space.
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