Japan's SLIM Moon Lander Surviving Lunar Night
Japan's SLIM moon lander unexpectedly survived a freezing lunar night and re-established communication with Earth after making a historic pinpoint touchdown on the moon. The spacecraft ran out of power but regained electricity due to a change in sunlight's direction.
Key Points
- SLIM moon lander made a historic touchdown on the moon
- Solar panels regained electricity after a change in sunlight's direction
Pros
- SLIM moon lander successfully made a pinpoint touchdown on the moon
- Re-established communication with Earth after surviving a freezing lunar night
Cons
- Ran out of power due to tipping over after landing
- Was not initially designed to survive a lunar night