Japan's space agency, JAXA, has reported that their lunar probe, Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has withstood a third frigid lunar night, signaling its resilience in the harsh environment of the moon. Despite temperatures plummeting to minus 170 degrees Celsius during the lunar night, SLIM's ability to respond to signals from Earth and maintain key functions has amazed scientists and engineers at JAXA.
The SLIM probe achieved a notable milestone by landing on the moon's surface on January 20, positioning Japan as the fifth country to achieve a successful moon landing. Facing an initial setback when the lander touched down in an upside-down position, SLIM managed to power on its solar panels to recharge after an eight-day wait for sunrise. The spacecraft, primarily designed to assess Japan's landing technology and gather essential geological information, has defied expectations by persevering through the extreme conditions imposed by the lunar day-night cycle.
JAXA, through social media updates, has communicated that SLIM continues to operate effectively despite the challenges posed by sudden temperature variations experienced during its time on the moon. The agency plans to closely monitor the lander's condition, emphasizing the importance of studying the moon's surface to trace its origins and compare mineral compositions with Earth. This mission represents a crucial scientific endeavor in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the moon's formation and evolution.