Context: The SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) mission has established Japan as the fifth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon. This milestone was achieved through the deployment of the robotic "Moon Sniper," which is designed for lunar exploration and surface testing. The SLIM Mission is labelled as Moon Sniper.
About SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon)
- SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) is a small-scale exploration of JAXA (Japan’s Space Agency) lander.
- "SLIM" is a technology demonstrator, and the expertise gained in precision landing and other technologies will be inherited by future missions such as the Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) and lunar polar missions. It is designed for:
- Pinpoint landings on the Moon's surface with a landing accuracy of less than 100 metres. SLIM Mission employs ‘Vision based navigation’ technology for its higher landing accuracy.
- Reduction in the size and weight of equipment used in Moon landings which will result in more frequent lunar and planetary landings. SLIM Mission employs small, lightweight and high performance chemical propulsion systems and light-weight materials in designing systems such as computers to save on the weight.
- Investigation into the Moon's origins through composition analysis of rocks estimated to be derived from the lunar mantle. There is a theory that the moon was formed by a giant impact. In this case, the composition of the moon's mantle, which makes up 90% of the moon, would be similar to that of Earth. SLIM Mission has selected the landing site close to the SHIOLI crater near the "Sea of Nectar" as the landing target site. Olivine mineral is expected to be present at the Shioli crater, expected to be ejected from Moon’s mantle.
Importance of Pinpoint Landing
- SLIM Mission employs Vision Based Navigation System for ensuring enhanced landing accuracy.
- Most conventional lunar landers land at a distance of several kilometres to tens of kilometres away from the planned landing site. Low landing accuracy.
- Over the years, Moon rovers and landers have adequately mapped the surface of the moon. To take the researcher frontier forward, researchers now aim to study specific sites and rocks on the surface of the Moon. This will require pin-point landing.
- For high-resolution lunar in-situ observation of individual rocks, it is necessary to land the spacecraft precisely.
- Traversing steep slopes and rough terrain on the moon can be made less challenging with precision landing.
- Locations with sustainable water resources are limited to a very narrow area on the Moon. To explore such areas precision landing is required.
Landing on sloped surfaces
Since the SLIM Mission plans to land at a site near a crater which has slope of 15 degrees. The SLIM mission will employ and demonstrate capabilities to land at sloped surfaces by employing a unique two-step landing technology.
The landing sequence of SLIM will be conducted as follows:
Benefits of SLIM Mission
- Future solar science exploration will demand the level of navigation accuracy that JAXA is seeking through the SLIM mission.
- As scientific knowledge builds on the study object, more specific research will be needed. Placing spacecraft with precision facilitates expertise.
- Planetary science exploration will additionally call for highly capable equipment for observation.
- Downsizing the exploration system can reinforce the instruments to be placed into a locale especially well-suited for its landing mission.