Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency: Lunar Lander Fails to Check In

By Jonathan Bala June 6, 2024

Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency: Lunar Lander Fails to Check In

Key Takeaways

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully landed its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) on January 19th, 2024. JAXA is the fifth national space agency to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. SLIM faced technical difficulties, including upending shortly after landing and power issues during lunar nights. SLIM survived three consecutive lunar nights but lost communication on May 27th, 2024. JAXA plans to attempt reestablishing communication after the current lunar night ends. SLIM’s mission included two rovers, LEV-1 and LEV-2, which continue to transmit data independently.

Summary

January 19th, 2024: JAXA’s SLIM lands on the Moon.
JAXA: Becomes the fifth space agency to land on the Moon.
Technical Issues: SLIM upended shortly after landing and faced power problems.
Lunar Cycle: Moon’s day/night cycle impacts solar panel-based missions.
SLIM’s Survival: Survived three lunar nights but lost contact on May 27th, 2024.
Communication Efforts: JAXA uses an unplanned ground station antenna for reestablishing contact.
Future Plans: Attempt to reestablish communication post-lunar night.
Rovers: LEV-1 and LEV-2, separated from SLIM, operate autonomously and continue to send data.

The SLIM Mission: An Overview

On January 19th, 2024, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) on the lunar surface. This achievement placed JAXA among the elite group of national space agencies that have accomplished a soft landing on the Moon. The other agencies in this distinguished group are NASA, the Soviet space program (Interkosmos), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the China National Space Agency (CNSA).

SLIM’s Technical Difficulties

Despite the successful landing, SLIM experienced several technical difficulties shortly after its arrival on the lunar surface. One of the initial challenges was the lander upending itself, which posed significant risks to its stability and operation. Furthermore, as the lunar night approached, SLIM began to experience power issues.

On the Moon, a single day or night lasts for about fourteen Earth days. This prolonged darkness significantly affects missions that rely on solar panels for power. Nevertheless, SLIM managed to reorient its solar panels and recharge its batteries, allowing it to survive three consecutive lunar nights. However, on May 27th, 2024, JAXA announced that they had lost communication with SLIM as another lunar night began.

Communication Challenges

JAXA’s official statement, released via its X account (formerly Twitter), explained the situation:

27日夜も運用を再度実施いたしましたが、#SLIM からの応答はありませんでした。27日夜をもってSLIM周辺の日が暮れて発電もできなくなっているため、残念ですが今月の運用は終了します。前日の投稿以降、非常に多くの応援をいただきましてありがとうございました。#JAXA

— 小型月着陸実証機SLIM (@SLIM_JAXA) May 28, 2024

The command transmission to restore communication was performed using an unplanned ground station antenna, with the cooperation of JAXA’s tracking network. The agency hopes to reestablish communication once the current lunar night ends later this month, expecting that the lander will recharge and reset itself.

SLIM’s Rovers: LEV-1 and LEV-2

In addition to the main lander, the SLIM mission included two rovers: the Lunar Excursion Vehicle-1 (LEV-1) and Lunar Excursion Vehicle-2 (LEV-2). These rovers separated from SLIM in lunar orbit and landed independently on the same day. LEV-1 is celebrated as the world’s first “hopping exploration rover,” while LEV-2 is the world’s smallest and lightest rover.

Rover Missions

During the four months since their landing, LEV-1 has conducted various scientific operations, including measuring local temperatures, mapping topography, and capturing images of the lunar surface. The rovers operate autonomously and can transmit data to Earth without relying on the SLIM lander. Consequently, even as JAXA works to restore communication with SLIM, they continue to receive valuable data from LEV-1 and LEV-2.

The Importance of SLIM’s Mission

The SLIM mission represents a significant step forward in lunar exploration for Japan and contributes valuable scientific data to the global community. By successfully landing and deploying autonomous rovers, JAXA has demonstrated its capability to conduct complex space missions and gather crucial information about the Moon’s environment.

Table 1: Key Events of the SLIM Mission

Date	Event
January 19th, 2024	SLIM lands on the Moon
February 2024	SLIM reorients solar panels
March 2024	SLIM survives first lunar night
April 2024	SLIM survives second lunar night
May 27th, 2024	SLIM loses communication

Challenges and Future Prospects

The challenges faced by SLIM feature the essential difficulties of space exploration, particularly missions to the Moon. The harsh lunar environment, with its extreme temperature variations and prolonged periods of darkness, presents significant obstacles for any mission relying on solar power.

However, the experience gained from the SLIM mission will undoubtedly inform future lunar exploration efforts by JAXA and other space agencies. The successful operation of the LEV-1 and LEV-2 rovers, despite the issues faced by SLIM, highlights the potential for robotic exploration and the importance of redundancy in mission design.

JAXA’s Commitment to Lunar Exploration

JAXA’s ongoing efforts to restore communication with SLIM demonstrate its commitment to the mission and the broader goal of lunar exploration. As the agency works to overcome these challenges, the data collected by the rovers continues to provide valuable insights into the lunar environment.

Table 2: SLIM Mission Scientific Objectives

Objective	Description
Surface Imaging	Capture high-resolution images of the lunar surface
Temperature Measurement	Record local temperature variations
Topography Mapping	Create detailed maps of the lunar terrain
Autonomous Navigation	Test the rovers’ ability to navigate the lunar surface autonomously
Environmental Data Collection	Gather data on the lunar environment

As JAXA awaits the end of the current lunar night to attempt reestablishing communication with SLIM, the mission’s scientific achievements and the operational success of the rovers remain a testament to the agency’s capabilities. The insights gained from this mission will pave the way for future lunar exploration and contribute to our understanding of the Moon.

In conclusion, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency’s SLIM mission marks a significant milestone in lunar exploration. Despite the technical difficulties faced by the lander, the successful operation of the autonomous rovers continues to provide valuable data. JAXA’s efforts to restore communication with SLIM stress their commitment to overcoming challenges and advancing our understanding of the lunar environment.

Hashtags

#JAXA, #LunarMission, #SLIM, #LunarExploration, #SpaceExploration, #MoonMission, #SpaceScience, #RoboticExploration, #LunarRovers, #SpaceTechnology, #ScientificResearch, #JapanSpaceAgency

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Space-Based Navigation

Planets That Are Similar to Earth

By Jonathan Bala May 31, 2024

Planets That Are Similar to Earth

Key Takeaway

Astronomers have discovered numerous exoplanets that share characteristics with Earth, such as being rocky and residing in the habitable zone of their parent stars. These discoveries, largely facilitated by NASA’s Kepler space telescope, bring us closer to finding an Earth-like planet capable of supporting life.

Summary

Scientists have identified over 4,000 exoplanets since 1995.
The Kepler space telescope, launched in 2009, played a significant role in these discoveries.
To be considered potentially habitable, a planet must be small and rocky, and orbit within its star’s habitable zone.
Factors like atmospheric composition and stellar activity will be considered as telescope technology improves.
Notable Earth-like exoplanets include:
- Gliese 667Cc: 22 light-years away, 4.5 times Earth’s mass, orbits a red dwarf.
- Kepler-22b: 600 light-years away, 2.4 times Earth’s size, first Kepler planet in the habitable zone.
- Kepler-69c: 2,700 light-years away, 70% larger than Earth, potentially in the habitable zone.
- Kepler-62f: 1,200 light-years away, 40% larger than Earth, within the habitable zone.
- Kepler-186f: 500 light-years away, 10% larger than Earth, on the outer edge of the habitable zone.
- Kepler-442b: 1,194 light-years away, 33% larger than Earth, may support photosynthesis.
- Kepler-452b: 1,400 light-years away, 60% larger than Earth, orbits a sun-like star.
- Kepler-1649c: 300 light-years away, similar size to Earth, orbits in the habitable zone.
- Proxima Centauri b: 4 light-years away, 1.27 times Earth’s mass, exposed to high UV radiation.
- TRAPPIST-1e: Part of a system with seven Earth-sized planets, potentially the most habitable.

Earth-like Exoplanets: A Journey Beyond Our Solar System

The quest to find planets similar to Earth has been a long-standing dream for astronomers. Since the confirmation of the first exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star in 1995, over 4,000 such planets have been discovered. This remarkable journey has been largely propelled by NASA’s Kepler space telescope, which has significantly expanded our understanding of the universe and the potential for finding another “Earth.”

The Role of the Kepler Space Telescope

Launched in 2009, the Kepler space telescope was designed with a singular mission: to determine how common Earth-like planets are in our galaxy. Kepler’s observations have revealed that small, rocky worlds like our own are indeed abundant in the Milky Way. According to NASA, more than half of the exoplanet discoveries have been made by Kepler.

Criteria for Earth-like Planets

For a planet to be considered potentially habitable, it must meet several criteria:

Size and Composition: The planet must be relatively small and rocky.
Habitable Zone: It must orbit within the “Goldilocks” zone of its star, where conditions are just right for liquid water to exist on the surface.

Future advancements in telescope technology will allow scientists to consider additional factors, such as the planet’s atmospheric composition and the activity level of its parent star.

Notable Earth-like Exoplanets

1. Gliese 667Cc

Gliese 667Cc lies a mere 22 light-years from Earth. Discovered using the European Southern Observatory’s 3.6-meter telescope in Chile, this exoplanet is at least 4.5 times as massive as Earth. Despite its close orbit around a red dwarf star, which completes in just 28 days, it resides in the habitable zone. However, the proximity to its star raises concerns about potential exposure to stellar flares.

2. Kepler-22b

Kepler-22b, located 600 light-years away, was the first planet found by the Kepler telescope within the habitable zone of its star. With a size 2.4 times that of Earth, it remains unclear if Kepler-22b is rocky, liquid, or gaseous. Its 290-day orbit around a G-class star, smaller and cooler than our sun, suggests similarities to Earth’s orbital period.

3. Kepler-69c

Approximately 2,700 light-years from Earth, Kepler-69c is about 70% larger than our planet. It completes an orbit around its star every 242 days, positioning it in a comparable location to Venus in our solar system. However, its host star’s luminosity, about 80% that of the sun, places Kepler-69c within the habitable zone.

4. Kepler-62f

Kepler-62f, at 1,200 light-years away, is about 40% larger than Earth. It orbits a much cooler star with a 267-day period, placing it firmly within the habitable zone. This planet’s size suggests it could be rocky and possibly hold oceans.

5. Kepler-186f

Kepler-186f, only 10% larger than Earth, is located 500 light-years away. It resides on the outer edge of its star’s habitable zone, receiving just one-third of the energy from its star that Earth gets from the sun. This red dwarf star ensures Kepler-186f is not a true Earth twin but remains a significant discovery.

“The discovery of Kepler-186f confirms that planets the size of Earth exist in the habitable zones of stars other than our sun.” – Elisa Quintana, NASA scientist

Kepler-186f

6. Kepler-442b

Kepler-442b, discovered in 2015, is 33% larger than Earth and completes an orbit every 112 days. Located 1,194 light-years away, it is considered capable of sustaining a large biosphere. Research published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society indicates that Kepler-442b receives sufficient radiation for photosynthesis, making it a strong candidate for habitability.

7. Kepler-452b

Kepler-452b, discovered in 2015, is the first near-Earth-size planet found orbiting a sun-like star. This planet, 60% larger than Earth, orbits its star (Kepler-452) within the habitable zone. Kepler-452 is very similar to our sun, and Kepler-452b’s 385-day orbit closely matches Earth’s. The likelihood of it being rocky is high, making it a prime candidate for further study.

8. Kepler-1649c

Initially misidentified by a computer algorithm, Kepler-1649c was later confirmed as a planet during a reanalysis of Kepler Space Telescope data in 2020. This exoplanet, located 300 light-years away, is only 1.06 times larger than Earth and orbits in the habitable zone of its star. It receives about 75% of the light that Earth gets from the sun, suggesting potential habitability.

9. Proxima Centauri b

Proxima Centauri b, just four light-years away, is the closest known exoplanet to Earth. Discovered in 2016, it has a mass 1.27 times that of Earth and resides in the habitable zone of its star, Proxima Centauri. However, its close proximity to the star results in significant exposure to ultraviolet radiation, posing challenges for potential habitability.

10. TRAPPIST-1e

The TRAPPIST-1 system, located about 40 light-years away, contains seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a single star. Among these, TRAPPIST-1e is considered the most likely to support life. Despite early evaporation of water on most of these planets, a 2018 study found that TRAPPIST-1e could hold more water than Earth’s oceans.

The discovery of Earth-like exoplanets marks a significant milestone in our quest to find life beyond our solar system. With the ongoing advancements in telescope technology, the dream of finding a true “alien Earth” becomes increasingly tangible. As we continue to explore the cosmos, each new discovery brings us closer to understanding our place in the universe.

Tables

Table 1: Characteristics of Notable Earth-like Exoplanets

Exoplanet	Distance (light-years)	Size Compared to Earth	Orbital Period (days)	Parent Star Type	Habitable Zone
Gliese 667Cc	22	4.5 times	28	Red Dwarf	Yes
Kepler-22b	600	2.4 times	290	G-class	Yes
Kepler-69c	2,700	1.7 times	242	Sun-like	Yes
Kepler-62f	1,200	1.4 times	267	Red Dwarf	Yes
Kepler-186f	500	1.1 times	130	Red Dwarf	Edge
Kepler-442b	1,194	1.33 times	112	K-class	Yes
Kepler-452b	1,400	1.6 times	385	Sun-like	Yes
Kepler-1649c	300	1.06 times	19.5	Red Dwarf	Yes
Proxima Centauri b	4	1.27 times	11.2	Red Dwarf	Yes
TRAPPIST-1e	40	Earth-sized	6	Red Dwarf	Yes

Table 2: Comparison of Orbital Characteristics

Exoplanet	Orbital Period (days)	Distance to Star (AU)	Star’s Luminosity (% of Sun)	Potential for Photosynthesis
Gliese 667Cc	28	0.125	1.4%	Low
Kepler-22b	290	0.85	80%	Moderate
Kepler-69c	242	0.64	80%	Moderate
Kepler-62f	267	0.72	21%	Moderate
Kepler-186f	130	0.4	10%	Low
Kepler-442b	112	0.409	5.7%	High
Kepler-452b	385	1.05	90%	High
Kepler-1649c	19.5	0.082	20%	Moderate
Proxima Centauri b	11.2	0.0485	0.0015%	Low
TRAPPIST-1e	6	0.028	0.052%	Moderate

References

“The nature of the TRAPPIST-1 exoplanets.” Astronomy and Astrophysics (2018). Read more
“Kepler Planet-Detection Mission: Introduction and First Results.” Science (2010). Read more

Hashtags

#Exoplanets, #EarthlikePlanets, #Astronomy, #SpaceExploration, #KeplerMission, #Habitability, #AlienEarth, #NASA, #SpaceScience #Planets That Are Similar to Earth

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Satellite Technology

Bepicolombo Mission to Mercury

By Jonathan Bala May 20, 2024

Bepicolombo Mission to Mercury

Key Takeaways

BepiColombo is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to study Mercury. The mission comprises two spacecraft: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). BepiColombo aims to map Mercury’s surface, analyze its magnetic field, and study its exosphere and core. Launched on October 20, 2018, BepiColombo is expected to arrive at Mercury in 2025. The mission will provide insights into the planet’s formation, geology, and its extreme environment.

Summary

Joint Mission: Collaboration between ESA and JAXA.
Spacecraft: Two orbiters – MPO and MMO.
Launch Date: October 20, 2018.
Arrival at Mercury: Expected in 2025.
Mission Goals:
- Map Mercury’s surface.
- Study Mercury’s magnetic field.
- Investigate the planet’s exosphere and core.
Significance:
- Understand planetary formation.
- Study Mercury’s geology and extreme conditions.
Scientific Instruments: Includes cameras, spectrometers, magnetometers, and particle analyzers.
Challenges: High temperatures, intense solar radiation, and gravitational influences.

The BepiColombo Mission to Mercury

The BepiColombo mission is a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), aiming to explore Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet in our solar system. Named after Giuseppe “Bepi” Colombo, an Italian scientist who significantly contributed to the study of Mercury, the mission marks a significant milestone in planetary science.

Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of the BepiColombo mission are to:

Map Mercury’s Surface: High-resolution imaging and spectral mapping to study the planet’s surface composition and geological history.
Analyze the Magnetic Field: Understanding Mercury’s internal magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.
Study the Exosphere: Investigating the thin, tenuous atmosphere of Mercury.
Investigate the Core: Gaining insights into the structure and composition of Mercury’s core.

Spacecraft Components

The BepiColombo mission consists of two main spacecraft:

Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO): Built by ESA, the MPO is designed to study Mercury’s surface and internal composition. It carries a suite of instruments including cameras, spectrometers, and a laser altimeter.
Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO): Developed by JAXA, the MMO focuses on studying Mercury’s magnetic environment. It is equipped with magnetometers, particle analyzers, and plasma detectors.

This simple schematic shows the three separate spacecraft that combine to create the BepiColombo mission. — This simple schematic shows three separate spacecraft that make up the BepiColombo mission. Image Credit: ESA

Scientific Instruments

The BepiColombo mission boasts a variety of scientific instruments:

Cameras: For high-resolution imaging of Mercury’s surface.
Spectrometers: To analyze the chemical composition of the surface and exosphere.
Magnetometers: To measure Mercury’s magnetic field.
Particle Analyzers: To study the composition and dynamics of the exosphere.
Laser Altimeter: For precise topographic mapping.

Launch and Journey

BepiColombo was launched on October 20, 2018, from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. The mission is expected to arrive at Mercury in 2025, after a seven-year journey that includes multiple gravity-assist flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury. These flybys are critical for adjusting the spacecraft’s trajectory and reducing its speed for orbital insertion around Mercury.

Challenges of the Mission

Exploring Mercury poses several unique challenges:

Extreme Temperatures: Mercury’s proximity to the Sun results in surface temperatures ranging from -290°F (-180°C) to 800°F (430°C). The spacecraft must endure these extremes and maintain the functionality of its instruments.
Intense Solar Radiation: The spacecraft must be protected from the Sun’s intense radiation, which is about ten times stronger than what Earth experiences.
Gravitational Influences: Navigating the spacecraft to Mercury requires precise calculations to account for the gravitational pull of the Sun and other celestial bodies.

Mission Goals and Scientific Return

The BepiColombo mission is expected to revolutionize our understanding of Mercury. Some key scientific goals include:

Mapping Mercury’s Surface: The MPO’s high-resolution cameras and spectrometers will create detailed maps of Mercury’s surface, revealing its geological history and surface composition.
Understanding the Magnetic Field: The MMO will provide valuable data on Mercury’s magnetic field, helping scientists understand its origin and structure.
Studying the Exosphere: The mission will investigate the composition and dynamics of Mercury’s thin exosphere, offering clues about its interaction with the solar wind.
Investigating the Core: By studying Mercury’s gravitational field and rotational dynamics, scientists hope to gain insights into the planet’s internal structure and core composition.

Significance of the Mission

The BepiColombo mission holds great significance for planetary science. By studying Mercury, scientists can gain a better understanding of:

Planetary Formation: Insights into how terrestrial planets, including Earth, formed and evolved.
Geological Processes: Understanding the geological history and surface processes on Mercury.
Extreme Environments: Studying how planetary environments close to the Sun are shaped and maintained.

Key Milestones

2018: Launch of BepiColombo.
2020: First flyby of Earth.
2021-2022: Flybys of Venus.
2023-2024: Multiple flybys of Mercury.
2025: Orbital insertion around Mercury.

Collaborative Efforts

The BepiColombo mission is a testament to international collaboration. ESA and JAXA have pooled their expertise and resources to tackle the formidable challenges of exploring Mercury. This partnership extends to numerous scientific institutions and universities worldwide, which contribute to the mission’s scientific payload and data analysis.

This schematic shows the components of BepiColombo’s solar-electric propulsion system without the solar arrays. There are four T6 gridded ion thrusters mounted on gimbals. The system has three tanks holding 1,400 kg of xenon gas, a high-pressure regulator, four flow control units, and two power processing units. It also includes several metres of high-voltage harness and piping needed to connect everything. Image Credit: ESA

Scientific Instruments Overview

Here is a detailed look at some of the key instruments onboard the BepiColombo spacecraft:

Table 1: Scientific Instruments on MPO

Instrument	Function
Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (MERTIS)	Maps surface temperature and composition.
Mercury Gamma-ray and Neutron Spectrometer (MGNS)	Analyzes elemental composition of the surface.
Spectrometers and Imagers for MPO BepiColombo Integrated Observatory SYStem (SIMBIO-SYS)	High-resolution imaging and spectral mapping.
Mercury Laser Altimeter (BELA)	Measures surface topography.
Italian Spring Accelerometer (ISA)	Measures non-gravitational forces acting on the spacecraft.

Table 2: Scientific Instruments on MMO

Instrument	Function
Mercury Magnetometer (MMO-MAG)	Studies Mercury’s magnetic field.
Plasma Wave Investigation (PWI)	Analyzes plasma waves and their interaction with the magnetic field.
Mercury Sodium Atmospheric Spectral Imager (MSASI)	Studies sodium in Mercury’s exosphere.
Mercury Dust Monitor (MDM)	Measures dust particles in Mercury’s vicinity.
Solar Intensity X-ray and Particle Spectrometer (SIXS)	Monitors solar X-rays and energetic particles.

Data and Discoveries

The data collected by BepiColombo will be crucial in addressing several unanswered questions about Mercury. For instance, the mission will investigate:

Surface Features: Detailed mapping to identify geological formations such as craters, cliffs, and volcanic plains.
Volcanism and Tectonics: Studying evidence of past volcanic and tectonic activity.
Polar Regions: Investigating the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters at Mercury’s poles.
Magnetosphere Dynamics: Understanding how Mercury’s magnetosphere interacts with the solar wind.

The success of the BepiColombo mission will pave the way for future missions to Mercury and other inner planets. It will also enhance our understanding of exoplanets in close orbits around their parent stars, as these environments can be analogs to Mercury’s extreme conditions.

The BepiColombo mission represents a monumental effort in space exploration and scientific discovery. By delving into the mysteries of Mercury, the mission promises to unlock secrets about the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets. The data gathered will not only expand our knowledge of Mercury but also provide broader insights into planetary science and the conditions that shape our solar system.

Hashtags

#BepiColombo, #MercuryMission, #SpaceExploration, #ESA, #JAXA, #PlanetaryScience, #Mercury, #Astronomy, #SpaceScience, #InterplanetaryMission

References

European Space Agency: BepiColombo
http://sci.esa.int/bepicolombo/
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency: BepiColombo
https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/en/missions/spacecraft/current/mmo.html
National Space Science Data Center Master Catalog: BepiColombo
https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2018-080A
European Space Agency (ESA). (2023). “BepiColombo Mission Overview”. Retrieved from ESA Website.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). “BepiColombo: Mission to Mercury”. Retrieved from JAXA Website.

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Satellite Technology

Destination Revealed: China’s Sample Return Mission

By Jonathan Bala May 12, 2024

Destination Revealed: China’s Sample Return Mission

Key Takeaway:

China’s Chang’e-6 mission aims to collect the first-ever sample from the far side of the Moon, targeting the Apollo basin within the South Pole-Aitken basin. This mission holds immense significance in understanding the lunar division and addressing fundamental questions about the Moon’s geological evolution.

Summary:

Chang’e-6 (CE-6) is China’s latest lunar exploration mission, focused on retrieving samples from the far side of the Moon.
The mission targets the Apollo basin within the South Pole-Aitken basin, known for its diverse volcanic activities and geological features.
Samples from the far side could shed light on the lunar dichotomy, the stark difference between the near and far sides of the Moon.
CE-6 aims to collect samples from regions with different titanium contents, providing insights into lunar petrogenesis and volcanic activities.
Scientists anticipate that the returned samples will help answer questions about lunar volcanism, crustal thickness influence, and the cause of lunar nearside-farside asymmetry.

Destination Revealed China's Sample Return Mission — Chang’e-6 will land in the Apollo Basin. This basin is located inside the larger SPA basin. Image Credit: Zeng et al. 2023.

Exploring the Lunar Far Side with Chang’e-6

Humanity’s quest to explore the Moon has reached new heights with China’s Chang’e-6 mission, set to research into the mysteries of the lunar far side. As the spacecraft embarks on this historic journey, scientists eagerly await the invaluable insights it promises to deliver.

The side of the Moon we don’t see from Earth has always interested scientists and space fans. It’s very different from the side we know, which has mostly flat, rocky plains. Instead, the hidden side has lots of rough, bumpy areas with many craters. This big difference has made people curious for a long time, and it’s why we send special missions to explore it and find out more.

One important part of this journey is the Chang’e-6 mission run by China’s National Space Administration (CNSA). It’s like a big step forward from the missions they’ve done before. Chang’e-6 is special because it’s trying to bring back samples from the side of the Moon we can’t see from Earth. This mission is a big deal because it gives us a chance to learn more about a place that’s been a mystery to us.

Chang’e-6’s main target is the Apollo basin, which is part of the huge South Pole-Aitken basin. This basin is a massive crater, the second largest one we know about in our whole Solar System. It’s like the main spot where scientists want to explore. Inside this big crater, there are lots of interesting geological things waiting to be discovered.

Dr. Yuqi Qian, who led a big study on where CE-6 will land, talks about how important this spot is. In a recent paper, Dr. Qian and the team stress why it’s crucial to collect samples of rock from the far side of the Moon. These rocks, called mare basalts, can help us figure out how the Moon changed over time. The Apollo basin, where CE-6 is heading, has been active with volcanoes for billions of years. Exploring here could give us key clues about how the Moon formed and evolved.

The lunar dichotomy, which is a big mystery in lunar science, is what CE-6’s mission is all about. It’s about how the near side of the Moon looks smooth while the far side is all bumpy. Some people think ancient crashes caused this, others think it’s because the crust is thicker in some places. But we still don’t know for sure.

As CE-6 goes into new places on the Moon, its goal is to fill in the gaps by collecting samples from areas with different amounts of titanium. These samples are picked carefully to cover different times in the Moon’s history. They’re super important because they can help us understand how the Moon’s rocks formed and how volcanoes worked there. Professor Joseph Michalski says it’s crucial to have lots of different samples to figure out the Moon’s secrets, showing just how important this mission is for science.

With CE-6 poised to return to Earth with up to 2 kg of lunar material, anticipation runs high among the scientific community. These precious samples offer a rare glimpse into the Moon’s geological history, providing answers to long-standing questions. From the evolution of lunar basalts to the influence of crustal thickness on volcanic activity, each sample holds the promise of discovery.

China’s Chang’e-6 mission is a big step forward in our journey to understand the Moon better. By focusing on the Apollo basin on the far side, this mission can teach us a lot about the Moon’s geology and how it changed over time. As the spacecraft travels through space, it’s not just carrying equipment—it’s carrying the dreams of scientists everywhere. This mission could change the way we think about exploring the Moon.

Hashtags:

#ChangE6, #LunarExploration, #MoonMission, #SpaceScience #China

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Satellite Technology

Japanese Lunar Lander Successfully Survives Its Third Night on the Moon

By Jonathan Bala April 27, 2024

Japanese Lunar Lander Successfully Survives Its Third Night on the Moon

Key Takeaway

Japan’s SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) lunar lander, designed to operate for only a single day, has remarkably survived three brutal lunar nights, defying expectations and continuing to transmit data and images despite its unintended upside-down orientation on the lunar surface.

Summary

The Japanese Space Agency’s SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) landed on the Moon on January 19, 2024, with the mission to test lunar landing technology and collect data about surface geology.
After landing, SLIM ended up in an upended position, resting on its face, which affected the solar panel orientation and limited its operational time.
SLIM was not designed to survive the harsh lunar nights, where temperatures plummet to -170°C, but it unexpectedly survived the first lunar night that began on January 31.
Despite being disbanded in March, the operations team received signals from SLIM after the second and third lunar nights, indicating its continued operation.
SLIM was even spotted by cameras on board the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter after the second lunar night.
On April 24, 2024, JAXA announced that SLIM had survived its third lunar night, continuing to transmit images and data.
The mission aimed to test pinpoint landing technology that uses facial recognition systems to identify craters and achieve an accurate touchdown within 100 meters.
Although the landing was accurate, SLIM’s upended position was unexpected.
JAXA hopes to use the data from the resilient SLIM to learn more about the origin of the Moon by analyzing the surface geology.

Japanese Lunar Lander Successfully Survives Its Third Night on the Moon — The SLIM spacecraft saw the lunar surface.

The Resilient Lunar Explorer: Japan’s SLIM Lander Defies Expectations

When Japan’s Space Agency (JAXA) launched the SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) mission, little did they expect the small lunar lander to become a groundbreaker in lunar exploration. Designed to operate for just a single day, SLIM has defied all odds by surviving three brutal lunar nights, where temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling -170°C (-274°F).

SLIM touched down on the lunar surface on January 19, 2024, with the primary objective of testing lunar landing technology and gathering data about the Moon’s surface geology. However, the landing didn’t go entirely as planned. Instead of settling on its base, SLIM found itself in an upended position, resting on its face.

This unexpected orientation had a significant impact on the solar panel alignment, limiting the lander’s operational time to just a few hours after dawn and before sunset. Despite this setback, SLIM soldiered on, transmitting valuable data and images during its brief windows of operation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of SLIM’s mission is its ability to withstand the harsh lunar environment. The lander was never designed to endure the freezing temperatures and extreme conditions of the lunar night, yet it managed to power through not just one, but three consecutive lunar nights.

The first lunar night began on January 31, and against all odds, SLIM survived the ordeal, powering back up on February 15. This feat alone was a remarkable achievement, but SLIM wasn’t done yet.

Even after the operations team was disbanded in March, SLIM continued to surprise everyone. Signals were received from the lander after the second and third lunar nights, indicating its unwavering determination to keep exploring.

JAXA’s announcement on April 24, 2024, confirming SLIM’s survival of its third lunar night, was a cause for celebration among space enthusiasts worldwide. The resilient little lander, against all expectations, continued to transmit data and images, providing invaluable insights into the lunar surface.

One of the key objectives of the SLIM mission was to test cutting-edge pinpoint landing technology. This innovative system utilizes facial recognition algorithms to identify craters on the lunar surface, allowing for highly accurate landings within a 100-meter radius of the target location.

While the landing itself was accurate, SLIM’s upended position was an unexpected outcome. Nonetheless, the data gathered during this process will undoubtedly contribute to the refinement of future lunar landing techniques.

JAXA’s ultimate goal with the SLIM mission is to gain a deeper understanding of the Moon’s origin by analyzing the surface geology. The lander’s unexpected longevity has provided an unprecedented opportunity to collect data over an extended period, potentially shedding new light on the formation and evolution of our celestial neighbor.

SLIM’s remarkable resilience and determination have not only captivated the scientific community but have also inspired future lunar exploration missions. The lander’s ability to overcome adversity and adapt to unforeseen circumstances serves as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of space exploration efforts.

As we look towards the future, SLIM’s achievements will undoubtedly pave the way for more ambitious and daring lunar missions, driving us ever closer to unlocking the mysteries of our nearest celestial neighbor.

HASHTAGS:

#SLIM, #LunarExploration, #JAXA, #MoonLanding, #SpaceScience, #LunarGeology, #ResilientTechnology, #MoonOrigin, #PinpointLanding, #SpaceInnovation #Japanese Lunar Lander

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Phys.org: Japan’s Moon Lander Wasn’t Built to Survive the Night: This article discusses Japan’s Moon lander and its limitations, particularly its inability to survive the extremely cold lunar nights.

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Artemis Astronauts to Launch New Seismometers on the Moon

By Jonathan Bala April 21, 2024

Artemis Astronauts to Launch New Seismometers on the Moon

Key Takeaway:

Artemis astronauts will revolutionize lunar seismology by deploying a new network of seismometers based on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology, providing high-precision data on moonquakes and advancing our understanding of the Moon’s interior structure.

Summary:

Introduction to Apollo-era lunar seismometers.
Development of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology for lunar quake detection.
Comparison between DAS and Apollo seismometers.
Explanation of how DAS detects moonquakes.
Application of DAS in Antarctica as a prototype for lunar deployment.
Advantages of DAS over traditional seismometers.
Insight into moonquake causes and detection frequency.
Planned deployment of DAS as part of Artemis missions.

Artemis Astronauts to Launch New Seismometers on the Moon — Antarctica from above. A lunar DAS system prototype for Artemis Moon missions found small tremors caused by moving ice here.

Complete Story

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Apollo astronauts laid the groundwork for lunar seismology by deploying seismometers on the Moon to detect potential moonquakes. These instruments, although groundbreaking at the time, provided only limited and often noisy data due to the scattering of seismic waves as they traveled through the lunar surface. Now, with the upcoming Artemis missions, a new era of lunar seismology is set to begin.

According to CalTech geophysics professor Zhongwen Zhan, the future of lunar quake detection lies in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology. DAS utilizes fiber optic cable buried just below the lunar surface to create a network of seismic sensors. Zhan’s innovative approach turns the cable into a series of individual seismometers, providing precise information about the strength and timing of moonquakes. Remarkably, a 100-kilometer fiber optic cable can function as the equivalent of 10,000 traditional seismometers, significantly reducing the number of instruments needed for deployment.

As Zhan explains,

“DAS offers a vast improvement over Apollo-era seismometers. Its distributed nature allows for precise measurements of seismic activity, even in the challenging lunar environment.”

In Antarctica, a prototype DAS system successfully detected small tremors caused by ice movements, demonstrating its potential for lunar deployment. This technology will be crucial for understanding moonquake causes and frequencies, which include temperature changes, tidal forces from Earth, and lunar contraction.

A key advantage of DAS is its resilience to the harsh lunar environment, including high radiation, extreme temperatures, and heavy dust. This durability ensures the reliability of seismic data collected over extended periods.

Zhan’s research suggests that DAS could detect close to 100 percent of moonquakes, providing valuable insights into the Moon’s interior structure. By characterizing different types of moonquakes, such as thermal quakes and those caused by impacts, scientists can deepen their understanding of lunar geology.

The deployment of DAS will be integrated into the surface operations of the Artemis missions, following the establishment of lunar bases and other infrastructure. While there is no specific date set for seismometer deployment, it is anticipated to occur in the mid-2030s, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration.

HASHTAGS:

#Artemis #MoonQuakes #LunarSeismology #DASTechnology #ApolloMission #MoonExploration #SpaceScience #LunarDeployment #SeismicSensors #MoonGeology #Artemis Astronauts

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