slim lunar module
JAXA
Japan’s lunar lander returned to contact with Earth nine days after it failed to land and lost its ability to generate energy and went into power-saving hibernation mode.
The Smart Lunar Exploration Lander (SLIM) landed on January 19, making Japan the fifth country to successfully land a lunar probe. Using a new and precise landing system, SLIM managed to reach within 55 meters of the target position, but one of her thrusters failed during the descent.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) soon received information that the spacecraft had landed upside down, with its solar panels facing the wrong way to generate electricity.
For just over two hours, SLIM was able to use backup power to collect and send data and images back to Earth. But that battery was designed to operate for only a few hours, so JAXA engineers decided to reduce the charge to 12 percent in the hopes that at some point when the sun crosses the Earth, the solar panels might start working again. I put the spacecraft into hibernation when it reached . Sky.
JAXA has now successfully reconnected with SLIM and received communications from the spacecraft on January 28th. The sun is currently shining on SLIM’s solar panels from the west on a lunar afternoon. This will allow the lander to continue its scientific activities, and analysis of the rock composition near the landing site has already begun.
Even if there is extra power, the spacecraft only has a limited amount of time to perform measurements. The lunar night begins on Thursday and lasts for 14 days. JAXA previously said the lander was not designed to withstand the dark and icy conditions this would bring.
But the two small autonomous probes that traveled with SLIM were released once they reached the surface and are already sending back photos. These vehicles will continue exploring and sending information back even if the lander itself fails.
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