TOKYO: Japan’s SLIM space probe entered the Moon’s orbit on Monday in a major step towards the country’s first successful lunar landing, expected next month.
The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is nicknamed the “Moon Sniper” because it is designed to land within 100 meters (328 feet) of a specific target on the lunar surface.
If successful, the touchdown would make Japan only the fifth country to have successfully landed a probe on the Moon, after the United States, Russia, China and India.
On Monday, SLIM “successfully entered the moon’s orbit at 04:51 pm Japan time”, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said in a statement released on Monday evening.
“Its trajectory shift was achieved as originally planned, and there is nothing out of the ordinary about the probe’s conditions,” the agency said.
The lander’s descent towards the moon is expected to start around 12am Japan time on January 20, with its landing on the surface scheduled for 20 minutes later, JAXA said.
The H-IIA rocket lifted off in September from the southern island of Tanegashima carrying the lander, after three postponements linked to bad weather.
Relevant News & Blogs
What Is The Link Between The Supply Of Money & Inflation?
When there is an increased supply of money in the economy, people tend to spend that money more,...
MoreWhen one job is not enough: The pathway to multiple careers
An average career span lasts 40 years. But humans are living longer and the idea of work years...
MoreAfter Bill Gates, CEO Of Nokia To Also Visit Pakistan With Investment Potential
Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, Dr. Umar Saif, has disclosed an...
More10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills
Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to...
More5G Launch Is Nearly Impossible In Next 10 Months In Pakistan
Islamabad: The launch of the 5G spectrum in Pakistan in 10 months is nearly impossible....
MoreCommunication Technology and Inclusion Will Shape the Future of Remote Work
Remote work was rare a decade ago. Working from home was usually available only as a special...
More