Summary
Japan’s space agency says it has made a “successful” landing on the moon, although its probe was not generating solar power and its batteries would drain in a matter of hours.
The director of the Japanese space agency, Jaxa, said the landing itself was deemed successful “as the spacecraft sent telemetry data, meaning most equipment on board was operating”.
Data sent from the spacecraft back to earth showed the spacecraft made a normal descent and showed it was on the moon’s surface and communicating properly.
The spacecraft was designed to land on a slope and then tip over slightly onto its main legs. However, space enthusiasts have suggested the probe might have toppled over too far.
Two rovers on board were successfully deployed just before landing and will conduct experiments on the moon, Jaxa officials said.
The Slim probe – dubbed the “moon sniper” for its accuracy – sought to show how to make a precise landing. Officials say confirmation of a precise landing could take up to a month.
Only four nations - the former Soviet Union, the United States, China and India – have previously achieved a soft landing on the moon’s surface.
A reporter is asking why the space agency officials faces are not looking “happier” at the press conference.
An agency official says the situation is “tough” as they are dealing with the solar panel issue and are thinking of the steps ahead.
