#JAXA #SLIM #moon lander entered lunar orbit today at 0732 UTC. Landing attempt scheduled for 1500 UTC Jan. 19.
It carries 2 rovers, and is designed to land on a sloped surface
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2023/12/21/japan/jaxa-slim-moon-mission/
#JAXA lunar lander, SLIM, has survived the lunar night (was expected to irrevocably freeze all circuits).
#SLIM is a technology demonstration, designed to test tech for touching down with pinpoint (<100m) accurate at a target site. The mission achieved this, with estimated accuracy of ~3-4m, although tipped due to the loss of one of the main engines.
SLIM carries 1 science instrument, which it's used but... I guess will now use some more!
the #JAXA #SLIM lander is believed to be oriented upside down, the main engine facing upwards and the solar panels facing west.
Which means that the solar panels should start receiving sunlight and hopefully charging the batteries starting today