By Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) December 26, 2023
Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) aims to demonstrate “landing where it is desired to land,” pin-point landing technique and obstacle detection technique. Credit: JAXA
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (
Lunar Orbit Insertion(LOI) at 16:51 (JST) on December 25, 2023.
Light blue line: Current lunar orbit.
Future plans:
Green line: Circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 km.
Yellow line: Altitude approximately 600km x 150km on an elliptical orbit.
Red line: Altitude approximately 600km x 15km on an elliptical orbit. Credit: JAXA
From now until mid-January 2024, the apolune point will be lowered, and the orbit adjusted to a circular orbit at an altitude of approximately 600km. The perilune point will then lower and preparations for landing will begin. On January 19, the perilune point will be lowered to an altitude of 15 km (~9 miles), and the descent towards the Moon will start at around 0:00 a.m. (JST) on January 20. Landing on the lunar surface is scheduled for around 0:20 a.m. (JST) on January 20.