TOKYO, January 20Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the news about the successful landing of the Japanese research module SLIM «extremely joyful» on the social network X.
The Japan Aerospace Agency (JAXA) previously said it considered SLIM's soft landing on the Moon successful because the vehicle transmitted data to Earth. At the same time, as JAXA noted, the solar panels installed on the module do not generate energy, and the charge of the existing batteries will last for several hours. At the same time, experts did not rule out that the system could not generate energy from solar panels, since the module was not deployed to the Sun at the required angle, and as the position of the Moon relative to the Sun changes, energy production may begin in the future. Also, according to JAXA representatives, experts believe that the separation of the LEV1 and LEV2 devices from the module was also successful. It was assumed that LEV1 would be engaged in photography, and its ability to “jump” on the surface of the Moon would also be tested. LEV2 is a tiny lunar rover, about the size of a baseball. After landing on the Moon, it will take on an elongated shape and move along the surface of the Moon. While LEV1 will take photographs and move in leaps, and LEV2 will roll on the surface of the Earth's satellite, SLIM itself will engage in astronomical observations.
«Despite reports that the solar panels are not generating power and detailed analysis is needed, I consider it extremely exciting news that the moon landing has taken place. I would like to commend the efforts of everyone involved and intend to continue to support you in future achievements,» the head of the Japanese government wrote.
Japan launched its first lunar lander, SLIM, last September. Particular attention during the development of the lunar module, which was led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries jointly with JAXA, was paid to precision during landing. If until now the landing was carried out with an accuracy range of about 10 kilometers, then the module was faced with the task of descending to a predetermined point with an error of 100 meters.
As the project developers explained live during the launch of the module, a successful and accurate landing on the Moon will mean for science a transition from an era when the fact of landing on the Moon was important, to the era of the vehicle accurately hitting a predetermined point. The developers plan to test technologies for image navigation and self-navigation of the module. The second task is to check the operation of the light module systems. The task of reducing the weight of equipment while maintaining the accuracy of its operation is extremely important for the development of further space flights, as it will allow transporting more necessary equipment.
< br />
Свежие комментарии