World

Japan Postpones Moon Landing: Reasons Why The Launch Of The SLIM Mission Must Be Delayed

Unfavourable weather forced Japan to postpone the launch of an H2A rocket carrying the lunar probe Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon (SLIM), according to NHK. On August 28, the launch was scheduled to occur from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Kagoshima Prefecture.

JAXA’s SLIM

The SLIM probe, created by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), represents a significant advancement for Japan’s plans to explore the moon. It will attempt to make the nation’s first lunar landing and carry out activities like examining Moon rocks and exhibiting accurate landing techniques.
In order for Japan to become the fifth country in the world to successfully land a probe on the Moon, the SLIM mission is crucial. The US-led Artemis programme, which intends to facilitate crewed lunar missions, would benefit from this accomplishment’s vital data contributions.

Also read: Russia Claims To Have Shot Down 2 Ukrainian Drones Following Man Killed Near Border

The H2A rocket is also carrying the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), a joint venture between JAXA, NASA, and other organisations, at the same time as the SLIM launch. Japan’s dedication to promoting space science and exploration is highlighted by this dual launch.
Thorough examinations of shared components were part of JAXA’s launch preparations for the H2A. This focus on detail attempted to allay worries caused by the H3 rocket’s less than stellar debut in March.

Following India’s successful landing of the Pragyaan rover through the Vikram Lander on the Moon as part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Japan launched its own lunar expedition.

Also read: Was Lucy Letby Suffering From Any Mental Health Issue? Know What The Experts Have To Say

The Chandrayaan-3 of India

Japan’s ambitions for lunar exploration coincide with significant advances in the field. The Chandrayaan-3 lander module’s successful landing on the Moon’s South Pole region marked a major milestone for India recently.

With this achievement, India became the fourth country after the US, China, and Russia to complete a successful lunar landing. It was a remarkable comeback following the catastrophic landing of the Chandrayaan-2 mission four years prior.

Srushti Sharma

Recent Posts

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh Represents India At The Gaza Peace Summit In Sharm El-Sheikh

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Cairo to represent India at the Gaza Peace…

18 mins ago

President Zelensky, Trump Hold Second Call Focused On Strengthening Ukraine’s Defence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a second phone conversation in two days with US President…

58 mins ago

Horoscope Today, 13 October 2025: Know What Your Zodiac Sign Says!

Horoscope Today, 13 October 2025: Curious what the stars have in store? Discover how your…

4 hours ago

Bihar Polls: Smaller NDA Allies Get 41 Seats; Set To Contest From Key Constituencies

NDA allocates 41 seats to smaller allies in Bihar elections, planning strategic contests across constituencies.

12 hours ago

SC To Decide On Independent Karur Stampede Probe Tomorrow

Supreme Court to hear Karur stampede probe petitions, addressing SIT formation and political accountability concerns.

14 hours ago

PIB Fact Check Warns Against Phishing SMS Targeting India Post Customers

PIB warns against India Post phishing scams; verify links, report suspicious messages, protect personal data.

15 hours ago