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Japan's Moon Lander Enters Dormancy Amid Lunar Night's Freeze

JAXA's SLIM faces uncertain future as it awaits the return of sunlight in mid-February, having already achieved key mission objectives.

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two side-by-side images of the lunar surface captured by a japanese lander, showing gray dirt, small rocks and a hill in the distance
Mosaic images of the lunar surface captured by the Multiband Spectroscopic Camera (MBC) onboard Japan’s SLIM moon lander immediately after its Jan. 19 touchdown (left) and after power was restored about 10 days later (right). As the direction of the sun changed from east to west, so did the shadows cast on the lunar surface.
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Overview

  • Japan's SLIM moon lander has entered a dormant state as it faces the freezing conditions of the lunar night, with temperatures dropping to around -208 degrees Fahrenheit (-130 degrees Celsius).
  • SLIM achieved a precision landing on the Moon's Shioli Crater on January 19, despite landing at a wonky angle that initially prevented its solar panels from harvesting sunlight.
  • The lander successfully reawakened nearly 10 days after landing when sunlight reached its solar panels, allowing it to carry out scientific observations and send back images of the lunar surface.
  • JAXA plans to attempt reactivating SLIM in mid-February when the lunar day returns, although it's uncertain if the lander's electronics will survive the harsh lunar night.
  • SLIM's mission has already been deemed a success, having achieved its primary goals including a precision landing and the collection of valuable scientific data on the lunar surface.