News On Japan

Japanese Lunar Lander Resilience Launched From Kennedy Space Center

FLORIDA, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - A rocket carrying the lunar lander developed by Japanese space venture ispace was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States.

The launch took place shortly after 3 p.m. Japan time aboard a SpaceX rocket, which successfully separated from the lunar lander shortly afterward.

Ispace plans to attempt a lunar landing between late May and early June this year as part of its lunar exploration mission.

In April two years ago, an earlier attempt to land on the Moon ended in failure. This time, the lunar lander has been named "Resilience" to symbolize "recovery" and "rebirth."

Although a U.S. company achieved a privately funded lunar landing in February last year, if "Resilience" succeeds, it will mark the first such accomplishment by a domestic private company.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A rocket carrying the lunar lander developed by Japanese space venture ispace was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit an all-time high last year, topping the annual record set before the coronavirus pandemic. Spending by tourists also reached a record high. (NHK)

Yomiuriland’s iconic Ferris wheel, cherished by visitors for over four decades, marked its final day of operation on Monday, as fans flocked to bid farewell to the beloved attraction and relive old memories.

Last month, Chef Kei Kobayashi, the first Asian to earn three Michelin stars in Paris, supervised dishes for the film "Grand Maison Paris." His restaurant in Paris, as well as five branded establishments in Japan, was featured in a special interview. Kobayashi proposed 20 to 30 menu items for the movie, with several dishes now being offered in Japan for a limited time, including a 5,500-yen course at his Gotemba restaurant.

Chiba's Urayasu City hosted a '20-Year Celebration' event at Tokyo DisneySea on Monday, marking the transition to adulthood for local residents.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japan Airlines has unveiled an aircraft featuring a sharkskin-like coating. By reducing air resistance with this special surface texture, the airline expects to cut fuel consumption by approximately 119 tons per aircraft annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 381 tons.

At CES, the world's largest cutting-edge technology trade show, Sony Group has unveiled a new device aimed at expanding its entertainment business. The device generates 3D computer graphics (CG) using standard cameras.

2025 marks the start of the 7th year of Reiwa, the 37th year of Heisei, and even the 100th year of Showa. The new year begins with two major celestial events in January—a striking meteor shower and Mars making a close approach to Earth, remaining visible throughout the night.

Japan is known for its fast internet, tech-savvy culture, and open online environment. Unlike some countries, Japan doesn’t enforce strict censorship or impose significant restrictions on internet access.

Uranium, a key component of nuclear fuel, has been detected in fuel debris removed for the first time from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Influenza infections in Tokyo have reached alarm levels for the first time in six years. As the virus spreads, restaurants and hotels are struggling with a surge in last-minute cancellations during their peak earning season.

A small dog-shaped robot capable of inspecting factory equipment in place of skilled workers was unveiled to address severe labor shortages.

The Japanese entertainment sector has exerted a powerful influence on different aspects of global trends for the past few decades.