Japan’s “Moon Sniper” Makes Historic Landing, But Faces Power Supply Challenge in Lunar Data Pursuit

By Canaan Arinda

In a giant leap forward for Japan’s space exploration, the high-precision “Moon Sniper” lander, part of the “Smart Lander for Investigating Moon” (SLIM) probe, has touched down on the moon’s surface.

This great achievement marks Japan as only the fifth nation to successfully land on the Moon, solidifying its place among the world’s leading spacefaring nations.

However, JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, now faces a critical challenge. A malfunctioning solar battery threatens to impede SLIM’s data-gathering mission before it truly begins.

“We have successfully landed on the Moon, but the power supply issue with the solar battery is a major concern,” admitted Hitoshi Kuninaka, head of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science.

Time is of the essence, as SLIM’s battery life dwindles. Only a few hours remain to collect the vital data from the moon before the mission goes to the grave. Adding to the tension, Kuninaka revealed that while rovers have been deployed, the crucial solar panel remains immobile.

Despite this setback, optimism prevails. Shinichiro Sakai, JAXA’s SLIM project manager, highlighted the strategic significance of this success.

“Proving Japan’s mastery of this technology grants us a significant edge in upcoming international missions like NASA’s Artemis,” he stated, emphasizing Japan’s ambition to be a key player in the new era of lunar exploration.

Japan’s determination to carve its own niche in space exploration is further evident in its past endeavors. A previous launch attempt in March ended in failure, and the nation faces stiff competition from countries like India. Yet, JAXA remains undeterred, with plans for a joint lunar polar exploration mission with India slated for 2025.

Adding a touch of literal science fiction intrigue to the mission is the inclusion of SORA-Q, a Star Wars-inspired, shape-shifting probe onboard the Moon Sniper. Developed in collaboration with a prominent toymaker, SORA-Q will move across the lunar surface, capturing unprecedented images of a crater believed to expose the Moon’s hidden mantle.

The success of the landing is only the first hurdle. JAXA now faces the critical task of verifying whether SLIM’s high-precision landing instruments remain operational after the touchdown. Confirmation could take up to a month, but the potential rewards are immense. A successful mission would propel Japan to the forefront of lunar exploration, paving the way for even more ambitious endeavors in the years to come.