How Japan’s Moon Lander SLIM Achieves the World’s First Pinpoint Landing on the Moon

Japan has made history by becoming the fifth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon, and the first to do so with pinpoint accuracy. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) touched down on the lunar surface on Friday, January 19, 2024, after a four-month journey from Earth.

What is SLIM and why is it important?

SLIM is a small-scale exploration lander designed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to demonstrate the technology for precise and controlled lunar landings. It carries a variety of scientific payloads, including an analysis camera and a pair of lunar rovers, to investigate the moon’s origins and geology.

SLIM’s mission is important for the future of lunar exploration, as it enables the placement of spacecraft and instruments in specific locations of interest, such as craters, caves, or near resources. SLIM also paves the way for more ambitious missions, such as sample return, human landing, and lunar base construction.

How did SLIM achieve the pinpoint landing?

SLIM’s pinpoint landing was made possible by a combination of advanced navigation, guidance, and control systems. SLIM used a high-resolution camera to capture images of the lunar surface and compare them with a pre-loaded map to determine its position and velocity. SLIM also used a laser altimeter to measure its altitude and a laser range finder to avoid obstacles.

Keep Reading

SLIM’s thrusters were controlled by a sophisticated algorithm that adjusted the thrust and direction according to the desired landing site. SLIM’s landing site was a flat area near the lunar equator, about 100 meters in diameter. SLIM aimed to land within 100 meters of the center of the site, with an accuracy of 10 meters.

SLIM’s landing was not without challenges, however. SLIM encountered a problem with its solar panel, which reduced its power generation and limited its communication with Earth. SLIM also had to deal with the harsh environment of the moon, such as extreme temperatures, radiation, and dust.

What are the next steps for SLIM and JAXA?

SLIM’s mission is expected to last for about two weeks, depending on its power and communication status. SLIM will conduct various experiments and observations on the lunar surface, such as measuring the temperature, magnetic field, and gravity. SLIM will also deploy its two rovers, which will explore the surrounding area and take pictures.

JAXA plans to continue its lunar exploration program, with the aim of establishing a sustainable presence on the moon. JAXA’s next mission is the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX), which will land a rover near the south pole of the moon in 2026. LUPEX will search for water ice and other resources that could support human activities on the moon.

JAXA’s president, Hiroshi Yamakawa, expressed his pride and excitement over SLIM’s achievement, saying that it was “a greater step forward” for Japan and the world. He also thanked the public for their support and interest in the mission, and invited them to follow SLIM’s progress on JAXA’s website.

Noto

Jakarta-based Newswriter for The Asian Affairs. A budding newswriter that always keep track of the latest trends and news that are happening in my country Indonesia.

Recent Posts

One Piece Unveils Revamped Fish-Man Island Saga with New Opening Theme as Anime Prepares for 2025 Return

One Piece offers a new take of the legendary Fish-Man Island arc, so fans are in for a nostalgic trip…

November 4, 2024

Johor to Pioneer Premium Salaries for Skilled Workers as Malaysia’s First State Initiative under Johor-Singapore SEZ

Particularly in areas related to the forthcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Johor is poised to become the first state…

November 4, 2024

China-Japan Diplomatic Groundwork Laid Ahead of Anticipated Xi-Ishiba Summit in South America

China and Japan are getting ready for what would be a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and freshly…

November 4, 2024

Philippines Triumphs with Fifth Consecutive East Asia Baseball Cup Title

Celebrating their fifth straight East Asia Baseball Cup title, the Philippines men's baseball team savored a historic triumph. Sunday in…

November 4, 2024

Japan’s Bold “Conveyor Belt Road” to Solve Truck Driver Shortages with Automated Cargo Transport

Officially known as an "auto flow road," the government of Japan has presented plans for a revolutionary "conveyor belt road,"…

November 3, 2024

China and UAE Celebrate 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations: All the Sectors for Partnership

Celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to fortify an alliance that…

November 2, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More