SLIM / MOON SNIPER MISSION

Why in the News?

On December 25, Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) entered lunar orbit, preceding its planned landing on January 19.

Source: France 24

About SLIM:

SLIM is launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is a lunar lander mission.
It weighs (590 kg at launch) significantly less than previous lunar missions, including India’s Chandrayaan-3 impacting its trajectory, less fuel, and time to reach the moon.
Spacecraft will deploy two rovers ,LEV-1 and LEV-2 for studying Lunar Surface.
Unlike Chandrayaan-3’s quick journey, SLIM followed a more fuel-thrifty route, taking four months to reach the moon via a longer path.

About Chandrayaan 4

· Collaborative Lunar Mission: Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) or Chandrayaan-4 is a joint effort by ISRO and JAXA for lunar exploration.

· Scheduled for 2026:The mission is set for 2026 or later, signifying advanced planning.

· Exploring Lunar South Pole:LUPEX aims to study water presence in the lunar South Pole, known for potential water ice.

· Roles of ISRO and JAXA:ISRO provides the lander; JAXA contributes the H3 launch vehicle and rover.

· Mission Complexity:LUPEX faces challenges exploring the Moon’s shaded polar regions with extreme conditions.

· Long-term Lunar Outpost:The mission explores the potential for a lunar outpost, serving future deep space missions, including Mars exploration.

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