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Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft is launched by:
A)
Russian Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
B)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
D)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Correct Answer : Option (C) - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)



Recently (25 Dec 2023), Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft entered into orbit around the moon after a months-long journey.

* It is a spacecraft built and launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on September 7, 2023, from the Tanegashima spaceport.

* It weighed only 590 kg.

* It was launched together with XRISM, a next-generation X-ray space telescope, onboard an H-2A rocket.

* It entered into an elliptical orbit around the moon over three minutes or so.

* Its apogee (farthest point) in this orbit is 4,000 km and perigee (closest point) is 600 km above the lunar surface.



What will SLIM do on the moon?

Just before it lands, SLIM will deploy two small rovers called Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2. LEV-1, LEV-2, and SLIM will together study the lunar surface near the landing point, collect temperature and radiation readings, and attempt to study the moon’s mantle.

Published On : December 28, 2023
Category : Space
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