Japan’s Moon Lander Defied Expectations by Surviving a Prolonged Lunar Night and Continuing Operations for Over 3 Weeks

Japan’s first moon lander, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), has defied the odds by surviving a third freezing lunar night, Japan’s space agency announced on Wednesday. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) received an image from the device three months after it landed on the moon, confirming that it had responded to a signal from Earth.

Temperatures on the moon can plummet to minus 170 degrees Celsius during a lunar night, posing a significant challenge for spacecraft. Despite these extreme conditions, SLIM has continued to function, showcasing the resilience of Japanese technology.

SLIM made history on January 20 when it became the fifth country to successfully land a probe on the moon. Initially landing upside down with its solar panels unable to see the sun, the lander had to be shut down within hours. However, it powered back on when the sun rose eight days later, demonstrating its ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

Designed to test Japan’s pinpoint landing technology and collect geological data and images, SLIM was not expected to survive lunar nights. JAXA expressed surprise and delight at the lander’s continued functionality, noting that its key functions are still operational despite the harsh temperature fluctuations.

The news of SLIM’s survival comes on the heels of NASA’s restoration of contact with Voyager 1, the farthest space probe from Earth. In contrast, a U.S. lunar probe developed by a private space company recently terminated its operation, highlighting the challenges of space exploration. As JAXA closely monitors SLIM’s condition, the world eagerly awaits further updates on this remarkable lunar mission.