Chandrayaan 3: Can Japan pull off India on the Moon? All about the Slim Mission of JAXA

By- Kavya Bhatt

Launched on September 7, 2023, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will make a historic lunar landing with its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft.

The size of a small car, SLIM entered lunar orbit on Christmas Day and is ready for a pinpoint landing close to the Shinoli crater in the equatorial zone of the Moon.

On January 20, the historic landing attempt was made, and the descent started at about 00:00 Japan Standard Time (JST), or 8:30 pm IST.

The perilune descent maneuver, which brings SLIM's orbit down to within 15 kilometers of the lunar surface, starts the landing sequence. The spacecraft begins its autonomous descent phase, navigating lunar terrain with craters, boulders, and rocks to find a safe landing spot. The spacecraft is outfitted with "smart eyes," or onboard cameras and artificial intelligence.

SLIM uses vision-based navigation technology to find its own position on its descent. SLIM modifies its course in real-time for a precise approach by using images of the lunar surface and comparing them with previously created maps from lunar satellites.

SLIM adopts a vertical orientation for the last few meters of the approach, using its onboard radar and optical range finder. The engines of the lander run nonstop until it reaches a height of roughly three meters. At this point, the engines cut off, allowing SLIM to land on the Moon without any assistance thanks to specially made crushable aluminum lattice legs.

The goal of SLIM goes beyond technological superiority. If it is successful, it will collect information about the makeup of rocks close to the Sea of Nectar, which will help us comprehend the origins and internal structure of the Moon. Studies on planetary formation and evolution will benefit from the mission.

Not only would SLIM's successful landing solidify Japan's leadership in lunar exploration, but it would also advance humanity's understanding of Earth's neighboring star. This mission is in line with international endeavors to solve the Moon's mysteries and advance our knowledge of the universe.