Japan's "lunar sniper" probe lands with unprecedented precision in moon crater

This Friday afternoon represented a significant milestone for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). According to Space.com, the commencement of SLIM's landing operations on the moon was scheduled for 10:00 AM. The landing procedure, which went as planned, concluded within the next 20 minutes, with the probe situating itself in a small area of the Shioli Crater, found south of the moon's equator.

To provide a bit of context, the SLIM probe's launch happened in September 2023. Accompanying it was the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), a space-bound X-ray observatory tasked with studying the universe through the lens of high-energy X-ray light. Meanwhile, the SLIM probe was given a notably difficult assignment: executing an ultra-precise landing on the moon.

The SLIM probe's landing was intended to demonstrate "unprecedented precision." During the design process of the SLIM lander, JAXA expressed their goal, which was "to enact a significant shift in our landing approach--landing where we desire, rather than where it's convenient," according to the mission description.

The probe's task was far from simple; the landing spot was as close as 328 feet from a predetermined spot in the Shioli Crater. Hence, SLIM has been nicknamed the "lunar sniper." The narrowed landing zone wasn't the only challenge JAXA set for the lander. Another was the surface of the Shioli Crater, which, being relatively young, is filled with many unstable rock fragments.

The team of Japanese scientists designed the SLIM probe to correctly touch down on the designated spot and prevent itself from being damaged in the process. The probe's lower aluminum components were primarily assigned this function, absorbing the energy produced during the moon landing. Besides, these components also aid in stabilizing the lander over uneven terrain. Furthermore, sensors were installed for safe landing to consistently analyze lunar surface images during descent and ascertain the exact position relative to the moon. This allowed the vehicle to land autonomously in a safe spot.

If the SLIM mission's landing is confirmed, Japan will become the fifth country to successfully land a probe on the moon's surface. The United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India have achieved this feat before. The last "visitor" to the moon was India's Chandrayaan-3 probe in August 2023.

The telemetry status indicates that the SLIM probe is situated on the moon's surface. The scientists are currently checking the vehicle's status. Meanwhile, unlike expected, there's no celebration at JAXA’s headquarters as they investigate the veracity of the landing.

JAXA reports that the probe's status is still being investigated to confirm the successful landing. The landing transmission has ended, and a press conference will soon be held where details about the mission's status will be shared.