Here are the top 10 FAQs on Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon (SLIM):
1. What is SLIM and what are its goals?
SLIM is a lunar lander developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The lander will demonstrate precision landing technology and collect scientific data on the lunar surface. SLIM stands for Smart Lander for Investigating Moon.
The main goals of SLIM are:
- To test the ability of a small spacecraft to perform autonomous guidance, navigation and control during landing
- To achieve a pinpoint landing within 100 meters of the target site
- To collect scientific data on the lunar geology and environment
- To demonstrate Japan’s technological capabilities and leadership in lunar exploration
2. When and how was SLIM launched?
SLIM was launched on September 7, 2023, along with an X-ray telescope called XRISM, which will study the origins of the universe. SLIM and XRISM were carried by an H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan.
3. When and where will SLIM land on the moon?
SLIM is expected to reach the moon by February 2024 and land near the Marius Hills, a volcanic region that may contain lava tubes. SLIM will use a combination of cameras, lasers, inertial sensors and thrusters to navigate and control its descent and landing.
4. How big and heavy is SLIM?
SLIM is one of the smallest and lightest lunar landers ever built, weighing only 130 kilograms and measuring 1.8 meters in diameter. SLIM is also one of the most cost-effective lunar missions ever launched, costing only $100 million.
5. What instruments does SLIM carry?
SLIM carries two main instruments: a high-resolution camera and a near-infrared spectrometer. The camera will capture images of the landing site and the surrounding terrain. The spectrometer will measure the reflectance of sunlight from the lunar surface to determine its composition and mineralogy.
6. What are the challenges and risks of SLIM?
SLIM faces several challenges and risks during its mission, such as:
The harsh environment of the moon, which has extreme temperatures, radiation and dust
The communication delay between SLIM and Earth, which requires SLIM to operate autonomously
The accuracy and reliability of SLIM’s navigation and control system, which has to cope with uncertainties and errors
The possibility of collision or failure during launch, transit or landing
7. What are the benefits and impacts of SLIM?
SLIM has several benefits and impacts for Japan and the world, such as:
Providing valuable information on the potential of lunar resources, such as water ice and minerals, that could support future human missions
Contributing to the international cooperation and coordination of lunar activities, such as the Artemis program led by NASA
Paving the way for more advanced and diverse lunar missions in the future
Inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers
8. Who are the partners and collaborators of SLIM?
SLIM is a JAXA-led mission, but it also involves several partners and collaborators from academia, industry and government. Some of them are:
The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), which is responsible for developing SLIM’s spacecraft system
The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), which is responsible for developing SLIM’s camera
The University of Tokyo, which is responsible for developing SLIM’s spectrometer
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), which is responsible for launching SLIM with an H-IIA rocket
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which has expressed its support and best wishes for SLIM
9. How can I follow SLIM’s progress and updates?
You can follow SLIM’s progress and updates through various channels, such as:
JAXA’s official website: https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/slim/
JAXA’s official Twitter account: https://twitter.com/JAXA_en
JAXA’s official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/jaxachannel
JAXA’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JAXA.en/
10. How can I learn more about SLIM and lunar exploration?
You can learn more about SLIM and lunar exploration through various sources, such as:
JAXA’s official brochure: https://global.jaxa.jp/activity/pr/brochure/files/sat54.pdf
JAXA’s official press release: https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2023/09/20230907_h2af47.html
Wikipedia’s article on Smart Lander for Investigating Moon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Lander_for_Investigating_Moon
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