After surviving the first lunar night, the Japanese lunar lander SLIM (Intelligent Lander for Exploring the Moon) went into sleep mode again due to the onset of the second long and harsh lunar night. This period is characterized by an increased risk of failure due to extreme temperature fluctuations. Despite this, the management team hopes to resume operation of the apparatus once the sun rays arrive at the end of March.

The SLIM module, which landed on January 20, continues to maintain communication with the Earth despite malfunctions and difficult operating conditions. Even though solar panels are misaligned, they are still capable of producing a certain amount of energy.

However, the last attempt at scientific observation using the Low Resolution Multibeam Camera (MBC) failed, probably due to the effects of the first lunar night. However, the Japanese National Space Agency (JAXA) will continue to analyze the data collected in anticipation of a new research opportunity.

Since its landing, SLIM has only operated for short periods of time; After its sudden awakening on January 29, it remained active for several days and continued to operate at an extremely high temperature of 100 degrees Celsius since February 26.

» Although the likelihood of failure will increase due to repeated cycles of extreme temperatures, SLIM plans to try again next time the sun rises JAXA said in a statement.

Despite all the difficulties, the mission achieved both its primary and secondary goals: landing on the moon, deploying two small rovers, and conducting scientific research using navigation and spectroscopic cameras. Particularly on the surface of the Moon, traces of olivine, a mineral widely found in the Earth’s mantle and often found in igneous rocks, are being investigated.

Japan became the fifth country to participate, following the example of the USSR, the USA, China and India. The United States also recently celebrated a historic moon landing: Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 Odysseus touched down on February 22, marking the first American landing in 52 years since Apollo 17.