Japan's moon lander sparks joy by making it through a second lunar night

Japan's Space Exploration Agency (JAXA) late last week revealed that its Moon lander had – somewhat unexpectedly – mostly survived a second lunar night and was briefly well enough to send home some snaps. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) reached the surface of Luna on January 19 – a feat that made Japan just the …

[that one in the corner]

Earth's sole natural satellite

The QI Elves would like a word with you.

PS

Well done JAXA.

It is always good to hear when something we've sent to Space manages to survive beyond the point we'd expected it gone, whether that is after the intended mission time has long past or, as here, after it suffered misfortune.

The level of engineering involved gives one hope that we've not completely forgotten how to Do It Right despite the seemingly endless stories we read about Earth bound systems.

[Zebo-the-Fat]

Nice

Very impressive!

[Pascal Monett]

Yes, I support JAXA

Space is hard, and the best of intentions don't always cut mustard. It's a shame that the lander didn't land properly, but it's not called rocket science for nothing. There will be lessons learned here (contrary to business boardrooms).

[MachDiamond]

Data, data, data

The more we can learn about the moon, the better we can plan for further manned missions. Even if the mission got limited by not winding up as planned, all science is good science. It also becomes a source of parts and raw materials when it no longer functions.