Shioli Lunar Crater Landscape revealed by JAXA's SLIM Moon Rover and Lander
The Cyrillus and Shioli craters, significant lunar features, were imaged by Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) after its January 2024 landing. A malfunction during descent caused SLIM's solar panels to face away from sunlight, limiting power but not image capture. Images revealed details of crater structures: boulders, ejecta, and possible signs of past volcanism.
The solar panel issue raises concerns about SLIM's operational lifespan and ability to conduct long-term research. Limited power had limited operations and data transmission, but finally SLIM's power panels were diminished.
SLIM's mission marks a significant advancement in lunar exploration, showcasing Japan's technological prowess and commitment to understanding the moon. While the solar panel malfunction presents a challenge, collected data will contribute to our knowledge of the lunar near side and future human exploration potential. Further analysis may unveil the geological processes that shaped the craters and their potential resource reserves for future missions. SLIM's findings will also inform the design of future lunar landers and rovers from Japan! In the end of this video I visualised the Shioli crater where SLIM landed to better understand the breakthrough of Japan Science with SLIM.
Images credit: global.jaxa.jp
Credit for color image of the SLIM: JAXA/Takara Tomy/Sony Group Corporation/Doshisha University/Thomas Appéré
Final visualisation of the Shioli, Cyrillus and Theophilus craters: iGadgetPro
Visuals, image processing and sound made by iGadgetPro
Like and Subscribe!
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Shioli Crater by Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (NASA)
0:39 - SLIM's Lunar Rover image of the lander (January 2024)
1:27 - First ever image of the Shioli Crater Landscape by SLIM
2:06 - JAXA's SLIM spacecraft viewed from orbit by LRO
2:20 - Lunar rocks examined by the lunar rover
2:57 - Cyrillus and Shioli Craters from the orbit
3:08 - Final Visualisation of the Shioli Crater (©iGadgetPro)
#lunarlandscape #SLIMmission #moon4k #japanlunar #jaxamoon