Japan's Lunar Explorer 'SLIM' Restarts Moon Operations

Jan 29, 2024 | News On Japan

Successful Power Generation and Communication Reset

TOKYO - The unmanned lunar lander "SLIM," which had successfully landed on the moon but was initially unable to generate power due to its solar cells not functioning, has now re-established communication with Earth and resumed operations. According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s official account on X, scientific observations on the lunar surface have already commenced.

The "Smart Lander for Investigating Moon" (SLIM) mission is a significant step forward in Japan's space exploration efforts. The mission's primary goal is to demonstrate precision landing technology, which will be crucial for future forays. Despite the initial setback with the solar cells, the team at JAXA managed to troubleshoot the issue, allowing SLIM to restart its activities.

The successful communication and operation recovery of SLIM is a testament to the resilience and technological expertise of JAXA's engineers and scientists. As the lander begins its scientific observations, it is expected to provide valuable data that will contribute to our understanding of the moon's surface and environment.

The data gathered by SLIM will not only advance scientific knowledge but also pave the way for more ambitious projects, such as manned lunar missions and the development of sustainable lunar bases.

The space community and enthusiasts are keenly following SLIM's progress.

Source: NHK

Typhoon No. 6 Expected to Strengthen Rapidly as It Approaches Okinawa

As of 9 p.m. on May 30th, Typhoon No. 6 (Chanthu) was strengthening as it moved northwest east of the Philippines, with forecasts calling for the storm to develop into a strong typhoon before passing near Okinawa from June 1st to June 2nd, bringing the threat of violent winds, high waves and torrential rain while raising concerns over heavy rainfall across western and eastern Japan.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

A series of false bear sighting reports posted to an online alert system operated by Aomori Prefecture has disrupted schools, prompted a police investigation, and raised concerns about the growing impact of misinformation on public safety.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

A social media dispute between a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and a 16-year-old boy from Edogawa Ward escalated into a planned group fight involving around 30 youths, some of whom allegedly brought weapons including a rusty saw, iron pipes, a special baton and even a shovel.

Japan's Population Falls by 3.1 Million in Five Years to 123 Million

Japan's population stood at 123.05 million in 2025, according to preliminary results from the national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, marking a decline of 3.097 million people over the past five years.

Japan Volleyball Player Busted Over Marijuana Possession

Volleyball player Shunichiro Sato, a member of Japan’s men’s national team, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of possessing marijuana after allegedly leaving a bag containing the drug at a pachinko parlor in Tokyo.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Fukushima Solar Plant Glare Lasts Up to 53 Minutes, Far Exceeding Forecasts

A large solar power facility built on a mountainside in Fukushima City is generating reflected sunlight for far longer than originally projected, with a city survey finding that glare at some locations lasted up to 53 minutes per day—more than ten times the maximum duration predicted by the operator.

Companies Flock to Japan’s Major Space Business Expo

Japan’s largest space business exhibition opened at Tokyo Big Sight on May 27th, showcasing a growing wave of companies from outside the traditional aerospace sector entering the rapidly expanding space industry.

Shizuoka Enters Final Stage of Linear Shinkansen Debate

JR Tokai held its first-ever resident briefing session in Shizuoka City on May 26th regarding construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, outlining measures for water resource management and environmental conservation as the company seeks to gain local support ahead of the start of construction in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Mysterious Crab Dance Returns to Wakayama Shoreline

A seasonal spectacle has begun on the Miwasaki coast in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, where tiny male chigogani crabs are emerging from their burrows at low tide and rhythmically waving their claws in a movement resembling a dance.

Akita Residents Grow Anxious Over Collapsing Wind Turbines

A small onshore wind turbine collapsed in Oga, Akita Prefecture, in March, raising fresh concerns among local residents following a series of wind turbine-related accidents in the city over recent years.

Fugaku NEXT: The Counterattack of Japan's Homegrown Supercomputer

Japan's next-generation homegrown supercomputer, Fugaku NEXT, is being developed with a radically different strategy from its predecessors, abandoning the single-minded pursuit of the world's fastest calculation speed in favor of artificial intelligence capabilities expected to accelerate breakthroughs in fields ranging from drug development and batteries to disaster prevention and food production.

Japan to Issue Safety Warning on Vasculitis Drug After 20 Deaths

A safety alert is expected to be issued as early as May 21st over Tavneos, a drug used to treat vasculitis, after 20 patients who took the medication died from serious liver dysfunction, according to people familiar with the matter.

Digital 3D Underground Map Visualizes Sewage and Gas Pipes

As aging underground infrastructure becomes an increasing concern across Japan, the city of Yokkaichi in Mie Prefecture has developed a digital underground map designed to improve the management of sewer, water, gas, and electrical systems.

< 2 3 4 5 >