SCIENCE

Japan's SLIM mission enters lunar orbit

By Sanjana Shankar

1

SLIM

Japan's SLIM probe, nicknamed "Moon Sniper," has successfully entered lunar orbit, and is now aiming for a high-precision landing in January. 

2

Orbit adjustment

Until mid-January, the probe will adjust to a circular orbit at an altitude of about 600km before beginning preparations for touchdown on January 20. 

3

Probe

SLIM is equipped with a unique spherical probe and can change its shape to move on the lunar surface. 

4

Shioli crater 

SLIM's target landing site is a small crater named Shioli in the lunar equatorial region. 

5

Mini probes 

Post-landing, SLIM will deploy two mini probes which will image the landing site and provide direct communication with Earth. 

6

Sampling

The mission is expected to make sampling lunar permafrost easier, potentially revealing more about water resources on the Moon. 

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