If you were wondering about the status of the latest Japanese Moon mission, you can rest assured that the Smart Lander for Investigation Moon (SLIM) lander is now safe on the surface of the moon. It also had time to release two small Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) rovers on the lunar surface.
Above is an image from one of those LEV rover’s showing a precariously placed lander. It appears to be standing on its head. Unfortunately, the solar panels are facing west rather than east, as planned.
As noted earlier, it is possible that the SLIM lander could get enough sunlight in the next few days to reactivate for a short period, but after that the lunar evening will drop to -200°F. The lander and rovers are not built for such temperatures.
Update: Good news! As of earlier today (January 29), SLIM has power again and it is back online.
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