Get ready for an exciting space event this weekend as Japan’s exploration of the moon takes another leap forward. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is all set to launch its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission on Sunday, August 27, at 8:26 p.m. EDT (0026 GMT on August 28), marking a significant step in lunar exploration. You can catch the live coverage of the launch through the provided link, with the broadcast starting about 35 minutes before liftoff.
The mission’s focal point will be the Tanegashima Space Centre, where the SLIM spacecraft is poised atop Japan’s H2-A rocket. The most awaited moment of this mission, SLIM’s landing on the moon’s surface, is anticipated to occur around four to six months from now. This endeavor follows Japan’s previous attempt by the Tokyo-based company ispace, which unfortunately faced a setback during its landing effort on April 25.
In addition to Japan’s SLIM Moon Lander, the H-2A rocket will carry the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) on this remarkable Sunday launch. XRISM is a collaborative project involving JAXA, NASA, and the European Space Agency (ESA), aiming to explore the universe through X-ray analysis.
This upcoming launch highlights Japan’s SLIM Moon Lander commitment to advancing space exploration and technology. Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly await the liftoff of these missions, contributing to our understanding of the moon and the broader cosmos.