Japan launched its lunar exploration spacecraft on Thursday aboard a homegrown H-IIA rocket, clearing a path to become the world's fifth country to land on the moon early next year. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said the rocket took off from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan as planned and successfully released the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). Unfavourable weather led to three postponements in a week last month.

Japan launches 'moon sniper' lunar lander SLIM to space

After Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the moon, all eyes are now on Japan’s moon mission, slated to be launched on August 27. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is gearing up for the launch of their ambitious moon mission, called Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission.&nbsp;

According to media reports, the lander is scheduled to launch as a "ride-share" payload with the XRISM mission on an H2A booster from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan at 9:30 am JST (6:00 am IST). The XRISM stands for X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission and is a collaborative mission of JAXA and NASA.&nbsp;

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The main objective of Japan’s moon mission is to demonstrate accurate lunar landing techniques, which will help make challenging landing areas more accessible.&nbsp;

<h2>Japan’s moon mission: What is it all about, how is it different from Chandrayaan-3?</h2>

Japan’s moon mission, SLIM, also known as Moon Sniper SLIM Project will lift off from JAXA Tanegashima Space Center on August 27 at 3:15 am UTC, as per JAXA’s official website.&nbsp;

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【お知らせ】🚀✨ XRISMと <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLIM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLIM</a> 、2機同時打上げ 
 
打上げ日が変更となり、新たに8月27日に決定しました。打上げライブ番組は8月27日の朝9時からスタート予定です。ぜひライブで、興奮の瞬間を体感しましょう！<a href="https://t.co/tKTmEpGKpm">https://t.co/tKTmEpGKpm</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JAXA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JAXA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%96%E7%95%AA%E7%B5%84?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ライブ番組</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XRISM_QA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XRISM_QA</a> <a href="https://t.co/2owOgU8OKh">pic.twitter.com/2owOgU8OKh</a>
— XRISM (@XRISM_jp) <a href="https://twitter.com/XRISM_jp/status/1694588299778887918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The mission is different from India’s Chandrayaan-3 but will help future moon missions like Chandrayaan.&nbsp;

SLIM is a small-scale exploration lander designed for pinpoint landings on the moon’s surface, reduction in the size and weight of equipment used in moon landings, and investigation into the moon’s origins. It will also test technology fundamental to exploration in low-gravity environments, an important requirement for future scientific investigation of the solar system.&nbsp;

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SLIM mission objectives:

1. Demonstration of the accurate lunar landing techniques embodied in a small explorer

2. Acceleration of the study of the moon and other planets using the lighter exploration system

<h2>Why Japan’s moon mission is important for space exploration?</h2>

If Japan’s moon mission is able to achieve its objectives, it can help humans make a quantitative shift towards being able to land where we want and not just where it is easy to land. By achieving this, it will become possible to land on planets even more resource-scarce than the moon.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-delete-pics-of-chandrayaan-3-lander-spotted-by-chandrayaan-2-minutes-after-posting-it-628969">ISRO delete pics of 'Chandrayaan-3 lander spotted by Chandrayaan-2' minutes after posting it</a>

Furthermore, JAXA also said that this mission will help in solar science exploration that demands a high level of navigation accuracy and precision landing.&nbsp;

SLIM's spacecraft consists of a landing radar for navigation or any obstacle detection. It also includes a multiband camera and laser retro-reflector array which will conduct specific tasks for safe landing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the moon, all eyes are now on Japan’s moon mission, slated to be launched on August 27. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is gearing up for the launch of their ambitious moon mission, called Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission.

After Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the moon, all eyes are now on Japan’s moon mission, slated to be launched on August 27. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is gearing up for the launch of their ambitious moon mission, called Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission. According to media reports, the lander is scheduled to launch as a "ride-share" payload with the XRISM mission on an H2A booster from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan at 9:30 am JST (6:00 am IST). The XRISM stands for X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission and is a collaborative mission of JAXA and NASA. Also Read | Big tech companies brace for EU’s Digital Services Act regulations The main objective of Japan’s moon mission is to demonstrate accurate lunar landing techniques, which will help make challenging landing areas more accessible. Japan’s moon mission: What is it all about, how is it different from Chandrayaan-3? Japan’s moon mission, SLIM, also known as Moon Sniper SLIM Project will lift off from JAXA Tanegashima Space Center on August 27 at 3:15 am UTC, as per JAXA’s official website. 【お知らせ】🚀✨ XRISMと #SLIM 、2機同時打上げ 打上げ日が変更となり、新たに8月27日に決定しました。打上げライブ番組は8月27日の朝9時からスタート予定です。ぜひライブで、興奮の瞬間を体感しましょう！https://t.co/tKTmEpGKpm#JAXA #ライブ番組 #XRISM_QA pic.twitter.com/2owOgU8OKh — XRISM (@XRISM_jp) August 24, 2023 × The mission is different from India’s Chandrayaan-3 but will help future moon missions like Chandrayaan. SLIM is a small-scale exploration lander designed for pinpoint landings on the moon’s surface, reduction in the size and weight of equipment used in moon landings, and investigation into the moon’s origins. It will also test technology fundamental to exploration in low-gravity environments, an important requirement for future scientific investigation of the solar system. Also Read | Eye scans can detect early Parkinson's signs, years ahead of symptoms: Study SLIM mission objectives: 1. Demonstration of the accurate lunar landing techniques embodied in a small explorer 2. Acceleration of the study of the moon and other planets using the lighter exploration system Why Japan’s moon mission is important for space exploration? If Japan’s moon mission is able to achieve its objectives, it can help humans make a quantitative shift towards being able to land where we want and not just where it is easy to land. By achieving this, it will become possible to land on planets even more resource-scarce than the moon. Also Read | ISRO delete pics of 'Chandrayaan-3 lander spotted by Chandrayaan-2' minutes after posting it Furthermore, JAXA also said that this mission will help in solar science exploration that demands a high level of navigation accuracy and precision landing. SLIM's spacecraft consists of a landing radar for navigation or any obstacle detection. It also includes a multiband camera and laser retro-reflector array which will conduct specific tasks for safe landing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan set to launch its moon mission. Here's how it is different from India's Chandrayaan-3

Japanese firm ispace's attempt to become the first private entity in the world to put a lander on the moon has ended in failure, the company said Wednesday.

Soon after the company lost contact with its lander, the employees of "ispace" bowed their heads&nbsp;in respect of the&nbsp;HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program.

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"We do not expect to complete the lunar landing at this time," CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada said in a statement, with the company saying the Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander was believed to have made a "hard landing" on the moon's surface.

The Japanese firm "determined that there is a high probability that the lander eventually made a hard landing."

The 7-foot lander (2.3-meter) lander carried a mini lunar rover for the United Arab Emirates and a robot from&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;designed to roll around in the moon dust.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;All you need to know about Hakuto-R Moon landing mission

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There were also items from private customers on board.

Named Hakuto, Japanese for white rabbit, the spacecraft had targeted Atlas crater in the northeastern section of the moon’s near side, more than 50 miles (87 km) across and just over 1 mile (2 km) deep.

Founded in 2010, ispace hopes to start turning a profit as a one-way taxi service to the moon for other businesses and organisations. The company has already raised $300 million to cover the first three missions, according to reports in Japanese media.

"We will keep going, never quit lunar quest,"&nbsp;he said.

The moon is suddenly hot again, with numerous countries and private companies clamouring to get on the lunar bandwagon.&nbsp;China has successfully landed three spacecraft&nbsp;on the moon since 2013, and U.S., China, India and South Korea have satellites currently circling the moon.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese firm ispace's attempt to become the first private entity in the world to put a lander on the moon has ended in failure, the company said Wednesday. Soon after the company lost contact with its lander, the employees of "ispace" bowed their heads in respect of the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program.

Japanese firm ispace's attempt to become the first private entity in the world to put a lander on the moon has ended in failure, the company said Wednesday. Soon after the company lost contact with its lander, the employees of "ispace" bowed their heads in respect of the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program. ALSO READ | First private moon landing: Japanese firm ispace loses communication with lander "We do not expect to complete the lunar landing at this time," CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada said in a statement, with the company saying the Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander was believed to have made a "hard landing" on the moon's surface. The Japanese firm "determined that there is a high probability that the lander eventually made a hard landing." The 7-foot lander (2.3-meter) lander carried a mini lunar rover for the United Arab Emirates and a robot from Japan designed to roll around in the moon dust. ALSO WATCH | All you need to know about Hakuto-R Moon landing mission × There were also items from private customers on board. Named Hakuto, Japanese for white rabbit, the spacecraft had targeted Atlas crater in the northeastern section of the moon’s near side, more than 50 miles (87 km) across and just over 1 mile (2 km) deep. Founded in 2010, ispace hopes to start turning a profit as a one-way taxi service to the moon for other businesses and organisations. The company has already raised $300 million to cover the first three missions, according to reports in Japanese media. "We will keep going, never quit lunar quest," he said. The moon is suddenly hot again, with numerous countries and private companies clamouring to get on the lunar bandwagon. China has successfully landed three spacecraft on the moon since 2013, and U.S., China, India and South Korea have satellites currently circling the moon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan's privately-owned lunar lander that went up in a SpaceX rocket, likely crashed on moon: Company

The first private landing on the moon ended in disappointment Tuesday as the Japanese company involved in the process said that it had lost communication with the&nbsp;lander. ispace attempted to achieve the historic feat with&nbsp;Hakuto-R, which could have become the first privately operated spacecraft to land on the moon. The landing was scheduled for 12:40 pm EDT. The first-choice landing site is Atlas Crater, located at the southeastern outer edge of Mare Frigoris.

The company had alternate landing dates planned in case the lander wasn't able to land.

"Should conditions change, there are three alternative landing sites and depending on the site, the landing date may change. Alternative landing dates, depending on the operational status, are April 26, May 1 and May 3, 2023," ispace officials wrote a few days back.

During the landing sequence, the lander was to perform a braking burn, firing its main propulsion system to decelerate from orbit, ispace said. The lander aimed for a soft landing on the lunar surface and the entire process will take approximately one hour.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-space-agency-reveals-beijing-gave-russia-france-lunar-soil-heres-what-their-scientist-found-585817">Chinese space agency reveals Beijing gifted Russia, France lunar soil. Here's why</a>

The Hakuto-R spacecraft was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in December 2022. The spacecraft has sent several stunning images from the orbit.

One such image sent by Hakuto-R captured shows a stunning Earthrise during last week's hybrid solar eclipse. The photo shows the shadow of the moon as it moves across the face of the Earth in the South Pacific.

The mission was also carrying a mini Rashid rover for the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) space agency. On board was also an artificial intelligence system from Canadian company Mission Control and a multi-camera imaging system by Canadian company Canadensys Aerospace.&nbsp;

The United States, the Soviet Union and China are the only other countries to have soft-landed on the moon before.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The first private landing on the moon ended in disappointment Tuesday as the Japanese company involved in the process said that it had lost communication with the lander.

The first private landing on the moon ended in disappointment Tuesday as the Japanese company involved in the process said that it had lost communication with the lander. ispace attempted to achieve the historic feat with Hakuto-R, which could have become the first privately operated spacecraft to land on the moon. The landing was scheduled for 12:40 pm EDT. The first-choice landing site is Atlas Crater, located at the southeastern outer edge of Mare Frigoris. The company had alternate landing dates planned in case the lander wasn't able to land. "Should conditions change, there are three alternative landing sites and depending on the site, the landing date may change. Alternative landing dates, depending on the operational status, are April 26, May 1 and May 3, 2023," ispace officials wrote a few days back. During the landing sequence, the lander was to perform a braking burn, firing its main propulsion system to decelerate from orbit, ispace said. The lander aimed for a soft landing on the lunar surface and the entire process will take approximately one hour. Also Read | Chinese space agency reveals Beijing gifted Russia, France lunar soil. Here's why The Hakuto-R spacecraft was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in December 2022. The spacecraft has sent several stunning images from the orbit. One such image sent by Hakuto-R captured shows a stunning Earthrise during last week's hybrid solar eclipse. The photo shows the shadow of the moon as it moves across the face of the Earth in the South Pacific. The mission was also carrying a mini Rashid rover for the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) space agency. On board was also an artificial intelligence system from Canadian company Mission Control and a multi-camera imaging system by Canadian company Canadensys Aerospace. The United States, the Soviet Union and China are the only other countries to have soft-landed on the moon before. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

First private moon landing: Japanese firm ispace loses communication with lander