In the middle of space, a well-known worry surfaced when Slim returned to its lunar grave, leaving scientists to wonder what would become of it.
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A Monumental Mission Takes Shape
Launched by Jaxa, the daring vehicle Slim set off on a historic mission to the moon, bringing Japan into the restricted group of lunar explorers. By carefully navigating the vastness of space, Slim was able to land within 100 metres from its objective, continuing the legacy of earlier missions carried out by the US, Russia, China, and India.
Victories and Difficulties on the Lunar Surface
Even with the careful landing, Slim’s journey to the moon took an unexpected turn when it flipped over and its solar panels stopped working. The scientists at JAXA were originally disheartened by this setback and began to doubt Slim’s future. But tenacity won out, as Slim slowly began to breathe again, despite the hostile lunar atmosphere.
Fighting the Lunar Nights’ Chill
Slim had to endure temperatures as low as minus 130 degrees Celsius, which is extremely cold in the lunar realm, where one night lasts for the equivalent of fourteen Earth days. Despite the extreme cold, Slim managed to endure the frigid moon nights and demonstrated remarkable functionality.
A Recurring Sleep
Japanese scientists have established that Slim had entered a state of dormancy again after enduring two lunar nights and accomplishing its mission goals. The cycle mirrors the destiny of other Indian lunar explorers such as Vikram and Pragyan, whose sleep continued endlessly after they were consumed by the lunar night.
Expectation in the Face of Uncertainty
The issue that remains unanswered as Slim slumbers is: will it awaken once more to continue its journey? Against all odds and in the face of cosmic quiet, Japanese space experts examine every aspect of Slim with great care, hoping for its eventual revival.
The story of Japan’s Slim highlights humanity’s enduring drive to solve the secrets of the cosmos by emulating the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and exploration in the vast and uncertain realm of space.
