Japan’s first moon lander, SLIM, continues to defy expectations by surviving its third lunar night, according to Japan’s space agency. The probe, which landed on the moon on January 20, has been able to withstand extreme temperatures during these periods of darkness.
SLIM initially faced a challenge when it landed upside down with its solar panels facing away from the sun. However, the lander was able to power on once the sun rose eight days later. Despite not being designed to survive lunar nights, key functions of the probe are still working well despite the temperature changes.
The main goal of SLIM’s mission is to test Japan’s pinpoint landing technology and to collect geological data and images from the moon. JAXA, the Japanese space agency, plans to closely monitor the lander’s deterioration as it continues its mission.
Scientists are hopeful that by comparing the mineral compositions of moon rocks with those from Earth, they may be able to find clues about the origin of the moon. This news comes on the heels of NASA restoring contact with Voyager 1, the furthest space probe from Earth, and other lunar missions facing challenges.
The perseverance of SLIM is a testament to Japan’s advancements in space exploration and technology. With the mission still ongoing, there is great anticipation for the valuable data and insights that will be gathered from this groundbreaking lunar expedition.
