Daily Current Affairs : 28-December-2023
The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), developed and launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on September 7, 2023, weighs 590 kg at launch, making it significantly lighter than India’s Chandrayaan 3. Launched alongside the XRISM X-ray space telescope, SLIM entered an elliptical orbit around the moon on December 25, following a unique trajectory for fuel efficiency.
Innovative Approach
SLIM’s journey involved an unconventional deflection toward the moon, utilizing the combined forces of Earth and lunar gravity. This approach, developed in the late 1980s during the ‘Hiten’ mission, prioritized fuel efficiency over speed.
SLIM’s Lunar Mission Objectives
Precision in Lunar Landing
Known as the “moon sniper,” SLIM aims for a precise landing within 100 meters of its chosen site on the moon. This is a significant advancement compared to past moon-landing missions, where area tolerances were more lenient.
Historical Context
For instance, the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan 3 had a 4 km x 2.5 km area tolerance, while China’s Chang’e 3 holds the record for the most precise moon landing, 89 meters away from its chosen spot within a 6 km x 6 km ellipse.
Landing Site and Data Utilization
SLIM’s landing site is near the Shioli Crater at 13.3º S and 25.2º E. Similar to Chandrayaan 3, SLIM will use data from JAXA’s SELENE orbiter to guide its descent.
Technical Specifications
With a lower mass of only 120 kg excluding fuel, SLIM’s small size tests the efficiency of its design. Before landing, it will deploy two small rovers, Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2, to study the lunar surface, gather temperature and radiation readings, and explore the moon’s mantle.
SLIM’s Impact on Chandrayaan 4 Mission
Targeting Moon’s South Pole
Scientists targeting the moon’s south pole for its perpetually shadowed craters containing water-ice view SLIM’s success as a significant precursor to the Chandrayaan 4 mission.
LUPEX Mission
Chandrayaan 4, or Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, is a joint venture with Japan (pending Indian approval) and is scheduled for a potential launch in 2026. LUPEX will explore an area closer to the moon’s south pole compared to Chandrayaan 3.
Challenges and Technologies
The rocky and challenging lunar polar terrain demands precise landing for LUPEX. SLIM’s tested technologies, including a feature-matching algorithm, are crucial for the success of LUPEX, with JAXA providing the launch vehicle and lunar rover, and India contributing the lander module.
Collaboration Details
The success of SLIM on January 19 sets the stage for collaboration, with JAXA expected to provide the launch vehicle and lunar rover, while India contributes the lander module for Chandrayaan 4. The landing site for LUPEX is yet to be determined.
Important Ponts:
- SLIM: Japan’s Lunar Mission
- Developed and launched by JAXA on September 7, 2023.
- Weighs 590 kg at launch, lighter than Chandrayaan 3.
- Entered lunar orbit on December 25.
- Launched with XRISM on an H-2A rocket.
- Innovative Approach
- SLIM’s unique trajectory for fuel efficiency.
- Utilized combined forces of Earth and lunar gravity.
- Prioritized fuel efficiency over speed.
- SLIM’s Lunar Mission Objectives
- Known as the “moon sniper” for precise landing.
- Aims for a landing within 100 meters of the chosen site.
- Historical context: Chang’e 3 holds the record for the most precise moon landing.
- Landing Site and Data Utilization
- Landing site near Shioli Crater at 13.3º S and 25.2º E.
- Uses data from JAXA’s SELENE orbiter for guidance.
- Technical Specifications
- Lower mass (120 kg excluding fuel) for maneuverability.
- Deployment of two small rovers (LEV-1 and LEV-2) for exploration.
- SLIM’s Impact on Chandrayaan 4 Mission
- Scientists target moon’s south pole for perpetually shadowed craters.
- Chandrayaan 4, or LUPEX mission, a joint venture with Japan.
- Scheduled for potential launch in 2026.
- Challenges and Technologies
- Lunar polar terrain demands precise landing.
- SLIM’s tested technologies crucial for LUPEX’s success.
- JAXA provides launch vehicle and lunar rover; India contributes lander module.
- Collaboration Details
- SLIM’s success precedes collaboration with India on Chandrayaan 4.
- JAXA expected to provide launch vehicle and lunar rover.
- India contributes the lander module.
- Timing and Records
- SLIM’s success on January 19 sets a record for the smallest-ever area tolerance in a moon landing.
- SLIM’s mission launch closely follows Chandrayaan 3’s success and precedes Russia’s Luna 25 spacecraft failure.
Why In News
Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) successfully entered lunar orbit on December 25, marking a crucial step before its planned moon landing on January 19. This development positions Japan to potentially become the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon, following India’s success with Chandrayaan 3 in August. The outcome of SLIM’s mission carries significance, as it may impact the upcoming Chandrayaan 4 mission, further shaping the collaborative future of lunar exploration endeavors.
MCQs about SLIM: Japan’s Lunar Mission
-
What is SLIM known as in its lunar mission?
A. Lunar Explorer
B. Moon Voyager
C. Star Seeker
D. Moon Sniper
-
When did SLIM enter lunar orbit?
A. December 7
B. December 25
C. January 19
D. September 7
-
What is the primary objective of Chandrayaan 4, or LUPEX mission?
A. Explore the moon’s equator
B. Study lunar craters
C. Investigate perpetually shadowed craters at the moon’s south pole
D. Search for extraterrestrial life
-
What sets SLIM’s mission launch apart in terms of timing and records?
A. It follows Chandrayaan 4’s success.
B. It precedes Russia’s Luna 25 spacecraft failure.
C. It holds the record for the heaviest lunar rover.
D. It landed on the moon in the shortest time.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
