Japan ended the SLIM lunar mission due to loss of communication with the lander. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has tried to reconnect with SLIM since April, in hopes of re-launching it, but all without success.
JAXA launched the Smart Lunar Exploration Module (SLIM) lander on September 7, 2023. The module successfully landed on the rim of Shioli Crater on January 19, but communications were lost in April.
SLIM was initially designed to operate for one lunar day. However, the vehicle showed unexpected endurance, surviving three cold lunar nights. The 200 kg lunar landing module operated and transmitted data until April, but communication could not be restored from May through July. On August 23, JAXA officially ended operations with SLIM.
Despite landing on its side, the vehicle accomplished its primary mission by making a precision landing with an error of only 10 meters from the target point. “Lunar Sniper,” as it was called, also successfully made spectral observations with the multi-band camera, the chip exceeded the space agency’s expectations. NASA also managed to track SLIM with its Reconnaissance Orbiter.
JAXA expressed gratitude to all who joined in the development and support of the SLIM mission. Japan continues to cooperate with India for future lunar missions, particularly to the Moon’s South Pole.
Earlier we reported on how SLIM sent an amazing photo of the Earth from a distance of 100 thousand kilometers.
According to Space
