Japan's Moon Sniper Mission Faces Power Struggle: Solar Cell Issues May Cut It Short
Japan's ambitious "Moon Sniper" mission, undertaken by the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), encountered a setback as its solar cell failed to generate electricity. Despite the successful lunar landing and communication with Earth, the mission might be cut short due to limited battery power. SLIM's solar cell issue is under investigation, with the possibility that the spacecraft is not pointing in the intended direction.
The SLIM mission, conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), aimed to explore the lunar surface and conduct scientific investigations. The lander, equipped with a "4-in-1" camera replacing the tri-camera array, successfully touched down on the moon, making Japan the third country to achieve this feat in the 21st century.
However, the current challenge lies in the solar cell's inability to generate power, forcing the lander to operate on limited battery capacity. JAXA is analyzing data to determine the cause of the solar cell issue and exploring potential solutions. There is optimism that as the solar angle changes on the moon, the solar cell may recharge. Yet, survival through the frigid lunar night poses a challenge.
Despite the power struggle, the mission achieved a "minimum success" status, meeting specific criteria set by JAXA. The precise and soft lunar landing, utilizing optical navigation, marks a significant milestone for Japan's lunar exploration efforts.
SLIM's Scientific Endeavors and Lunar Rovers
The SLIM robotic explorer released two lunar rovers, LEV-1 and LEV-2, as part of its scientific mission. LEV-1, featuring a hopping mechanism and wide-angle visible light cameras, moves across the lunar surface. LEV-2, also equipped with cameras, has the capability to change shape for enhanced mobility. The data gathered by these rovers contributes to scientific understanding and exploration.
JAXA's director general, Dr. Hitoshi Kuninaka, assessed the landing operation, giving it a score of "60 out of 100." While acknowledging the success, he emphasized the need for continuous improvement. The team awaits more data to confirm the status of LEV-2 and evaluate the accuracy of SLIM's landing.
SLIM's Technological Innovations and Lunar Objectives
Nicknamed "Moon Sniper," SLIM incorporates precision technology to achieve a "pinpoint" landing, distinguishing it from previous lunar missions targeting larger zones. The lander's "smart eyes" utilize image-matching-based navigation, capturing rapid photographs of the lunar surface during descent and autonomously adjusting for a sloped surface touchdown.
The mission's landing site near the Shioli crater within the Sea of Nectar provides an opportunity to study rocks that could offer insights into the moon's origin. The impact of meteorites and objects on the lunar surface creates craters and rocky debris, offering valuable information about the moon's composition and formation.
The SLIM mission is part of a broader lunar space race, with various space agencies and countries competing in lunar exploration. While the solar cell challenge poses a hurdle, SLIM's achievements contribute to the global effort to understand and utilize lunar resources for future space exploration.