Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is set to make its highly anticipated landing on the lunar surface this week, marking Japan as the first nation to attempt a Moon landing in 2024.
Launched on September 6, 2023, via a Japanese H-2A rocket, the SLIM mission seeks to showcase precision landing capabilities that could revolutionize future lunar exploration.
After an efficient journey to the Moon, SLIM successfully entered lunar orbit on Christmas Day, 2023.
Credit: JAXA
All eyes are on this mission as it promises to demonstrate Japan's advanced aerospace technology, positioning the country as a significant player in space exploration.
SLIM's descent towards the Moon is scheduled to commence at around 8:30 pm IST on January 20, with the perilune point being lowered to an altitude of 15 km. The lunar surface landing is expected approximately 20 minutes later, around 8:50 pm IST.
The primary objective of the mission is to test pinpoint landing technology with an unprecedented level of precision—aiming for accuracy within 100 meters. If successful, Japan will join a select group of nations that have achieved a soft landing on the Moon, including the Soviet Union, the United States, China, and India.
SLIM carries two mini probes for post-landing activities, involving site photography and establishing an independent communication system with Earth.