The unmanned mission called Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) from Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) touched the moon after 10:20 a.m. ET, using unprecedented precision technology to demonstrate a "pinpoint" landing within a lunar plain known as the Sea of Nectara.
JAXA, during their live broadcast, noted that the landing module's state is still under review, with more updates to follow.
Previous lunar missions have aimed and hit areas spanning multiple kilometers, but SLIM's landing spot stretches just 100 meters (328 feet) wide. The lander's "smart eyes," a navigation technology based on image matching, were expected to swiftly capture lunar surface pictures as it approached, making autonomous adjustments as the spacecraft descended for a more accurate landing.
The small-scale robotic explorer SLIM, also known as "Moon Sniper" due to its innovative precision technology, seeks to achieve a "pinpoint" landing.
Previous lunar missions have been able to target and reach areas covering many kilometers, but SLIM's landing module will target a landing spot only spanning across 100 meters (328 feet). The lander's "smart eyes," a navigation technology based on image matching, will rapidly photograph the lunar surface during the approach and make autonomous adjustments as the spacecraft descends for an exact landing.
[20 minutes of horror: What to expect from Japan's historic moon-landing attempt with the Moon Sniper spacecraft]The Journey of "Moon Sniper"
Moon Sniper aims at a landing spot near the small crater Shioli, located within a lunar plain called the Sea of Nectar. This plain was created by ancient volcanic activity and sits due south of the Sea of Tranquility, where Apollo 11 landed in 1969. If the spacecraft lands successfully, it will study the area's rocks to unravel information about the Moon's origin.
Meteorites and other objects striking the moon create craters and rocky debris that cover its surface. These rocks fascinate scientists because studying them is akin to peering inside the Moon. The minerals and other aspects of the rocks' composition could potentially shed more light on its formation.
Landing near the sloping and rock-covered areas around the craters is a hazardous process that most missions generally avoid. However, JAXA believes that its lander has the technological capability to safely navigate rocky terrain.
New Space Race
Over the past year, numerous space agencies and countries have attempted moon landings, leading to some first-time achievements and several failures.
India became the fourth country (after the United States, former Soviet Union, and China) to conduct a controlled moon landing when its mission [Chandrayaan-3] touched down near the lunar south pole in August.
In September, the lightweight landing module SLIM, loaded with new precision technology, was launched, demonstrating a "pinpoint" landing.
With the completion of this mission, Japan seemingly heralds a new era of space exploration characterized by a focus on precision and groundbreaking technology. The SLIM mission stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the potential for further lunar exploration.
