JAXA optimistic about reviving lunar probe after planned shutdown; mission yields significant data.
Japan’s space agency announced its hopes to restore power to its Moon Sniper lander, which was deliberately switched off after making a successful lunar landing over the weekend.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) revealed on Monday that it turned off the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) three hours after touchdown to conserve power. The agency believes the lander might recharge once sunlight hits its solar panels and allow for a system reboot.
Despite uncertainty around solar battery output, JAXA confirmed that it had already received a substantial amount of scientific and image data from the mission.
Successful Landing and Awaited Analysis
The Moon Sniper touched down at 20 minutes past midnight on Saturday (15:20 GMT Friday), making Japan the fifth nation to achieve a soft landing on the moon. Shortly after landing, doubts arose regarding whether the solar panels were generating energy.
To protect its systems, JAXA shut down the lander, allowing enough stored power for a potential restart under better conditions. Meanwhile, scientists are analyzing the landing data to determine whether the spacecraft landed within 100 metres of its targeted site.
“We transmitted all critical technical and surface imagery data before powering down,” JAXA reported. “We’re relieved and excited about the volume of data obtained.”
The spacecraft targeted a crater believed to expose the moon’s mantle, a significant geological objective for the mission.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida welcomed the successful landing, noting that further analysis of the solar panel function is essential. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated Japan on its achievement, emphasizing the value of continued space collaboration.
