How SLIM Spacecraft Will Empower Chandrayaan-4?

Introduction

SLIM Spacecraft for Chandrayan-4: India is preparing for the launch of Chandrayan-4 Now. In Chandrayan-3, ISRO have faced many challenges and overcame it amazingly. However now JAXA (Japan’s Space Agency) is collaborating with ISRO by helping Chandrayan-4 Mission by SLIM spacecraft.

In this blog, we have added all the information about ‘What is SLIM Spacecraft?’, ‘What is SLIM Mission’, ‘How SLIM will help in Chandrayan-4?’, Characteristics of SLIM Spacecraft and much more.

This information will help you in major competitive examinations India as ‘What is SLIM Related to:’ and similar like questions.

In this blog below, you will get all the answers of the questions that you might got ask in Major Competitive examinations in India.

So, let’s start-

What is SLIM Spacecraft? – What is Full form of SLIM?

SLIM Spacecraft stands for “Smart Lander for Investigating Moon Spacecraft.” It is a spacecraft developed and launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The primary objective of SLIM is to conduct investigations and experiments on the lunar surface, specifically aiming for a precise landing on the moon.

Here are some key points about SLIM SpaceCraft:

1. Launch Date: SLIM Spacecraft was launched on September 7, 2023, from the Tanegashima spaceport.
2. Weight: At the time of launch, SLIM Spacecraft had a weight of only 590 kg, making it significantly lighter than other lunar exploration missions, such as India’s Chandrayaan-3.
3. Mission Path: SLIM Spacecraft took a unique and fuel-thrifty route to the moon based on weak-stability boundary theory. This path, although longer, allowed SLIM to carry less fuel and reach the moon in about four months.
4. Precision Landing: SLIM Spacecraft gained attention for its ambitious goal of achieving a precision landing within 100 meters of its chosen landing site on the moon. This level of precision is unprecedented in lunar exploration.
5. Rovers: As part of its mission, SLIM Spacecraft is equipped with two small rovers called Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2. These rovers are intended to be deployed on the lunar surface to study various aspects, including temperature, radiation readings, and the moon’s mantle.
6. Collaboration: The success or failure of SLIM’s mission has implications for Japan’s collaboration with India on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, also known as Chandrayaan-4. LUPEX aims to explore the moon’s South Pole region and will benefit from the technologies and insights gained from SLIM’s mission.

Why SLIM SpaceCraft is in News?

SLIM is in the news for several notable reasons:

1. Lunar Orbit Entry

On December 25, SLIM Spacecraft successfully entered lunar orbit, marking a crucial achievement in its mission. This significant step is a prelude to its upcoming moon-landing attempt.

2. Upcoming Moon Landing Attempt

SLIM Spacecraft is scheduled to make a historic moon-landing attempt on January 19 2024. If successful, Japan will become the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon with a robotic craft.

3. Precision Landing Goal

SLIM Spacecraft has attracted attention for its ambitious objective of achieving a precision landing within 100 meters of its selected landing site near the Shioli Crater. This precision is unprecedented in lunar exploration history.

4. Innovative Mission Design

SLIM’s mission stands out for its innovative design, including a fuel-thrifty route based on weak-stability boundary theory. This approach, although longer, allowed SLIM to carry less fuel, reducing its weight compared to other lunar exploration missions.

5. Implications for Chandrayaan-4

The success or failure of SLIM’s mission has direct implications for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission. This joint Indian-Japanese lunar exploration effort depends on the outcomes and technologies tested by SLIM Spacecraft .

6. Lighter Weight and Unique Trajectory

SLIM’s weight of 590 kg at launch, about one-seventh of Chandrayaan-3, is attributed to carrying less fuel. Its trajectory, involving multiple swings around the Earth to build kinetic energy, reflects an innovative and fuel-efficient approach.

Characteristics of SLIM SpaceCraft

We have listed the all important characteristics of SLIM Spacecraft below:

How SLIM SpaceCraft will help Chandrayan-4

SLIM’s mission success holds significance for Chandrayaan-4 (LUPEX), the joint lunar exploration mission between Japan and India. Here’s how SLIM Spacecraft is expected to contribute to Chandrayaan-4:

1. Technological Insights

• SSLIM Spacecraft LIM incorporates a feature-matching algorithm for precise navigation during descent.
• Advanced navigation systems in SLIM contribute to its ability to land with unprecedented precision.
• The success of these technologies will provide valuable lessons for improving and refining similar systems for Chandrayaan-4.
• Chandrayaan-4 can benefit from the data and performance assessments of SLIM’s technological components.
  

2. Landing Site Selection

• SLIM’s experience in selecting a specific landing site near the Shioli Crater provides insights into the decision-making process for Chandrayaan-4.
• Data collected by SLIM Spacecraft regarding lunar surface characteristics at its landing site aids in identifying scientifically significant locations.
• Chandrayaan-4 mission planners can use SLIM’s findings to optimize landing site selection, especially in challenging terrains near the moon’s South Pole.
• Lessons learned from SLIM’s mission may influence the criteria for suitable landing locations.
  

3. Maneuverability and Surface Analysis

• SLIM’s deployment of small rovers (Lunar Excursion Vehicle 1 and 2) showcases its maneuverability and capability for detailed surface studies.
• The operational success of SLIM’s rovers provides a model for Chandrayaan-4 in deploying and utilizing similar robotic explorers.
• Chandrayaan-4 can learn from SLIM’s experiences in conducting surface analyses, collecting data, and optimizing rover mobility.
• The maneuverability demonstrated by SLIM Spacecraft informs Chandrayaan-4’s strategies for efficient exploration of the lunar surface.
  

4. Economical Design and Mass Efficiency

• SLIM’s lighter weight at launch and economical design contribute to its overall efficiency in terms of fuel consumption.
• Chandrayaan-4 can explore adopting similar design principles to optimize mass and enhance mission efficiency.
• Lessons from SLIM’s fuel-thrifty route and mission planning can guide Chandrayaan-4 in achieving its objectives with reduced mass.
• The economical design of SLIM Spacecraft provides insights into resource optimization, which is relevant for Chandrayaan-4’s mission planning.
  

5. Precise Landing Techniques

• SLIM’s attempt for an unprecedented precision landing within 100 meters sets a new standard in lunar exploration.
• Chandrayaan-4 can benefit from the methodologies and techniques employed by SLIM for achieving such precision.
• Lessons learned from SLIM’s landing attempt inform Chandrayaan-4’s strategies for enhancing landing precision.
• The success or challenges faced by SLIM contribute valuable knowledge for Chandrayaan-4 to improve its own landing techniques.
  

6. Collaborative Approach

• The collaboration between JAXA and ISRO in the SLIM mission sets a positive example for international cooperation in lunar exploration.
• Chandrayaan-4 can build on the collaborative approach established by SLIM, potentially leading to shared resources and expertise.
• Lessons from the collaborative aspects of SLIM’s mission can guide Chandrayaan-4 in fostering effective partnerships with other space agencies.
• The successful collaboration between Japan and India sets a precedent for future joint lunar exploration endeavors.
  

7. Mission Outcome Implications

• The success or failure of SLIM directly influences the collaboration between JAXA and ISRO on Chandrayaan-4.
• Positive outcomes from SLIM’s mission boost confidence in the collaborative effort, fostering stronger ties between the two space agencies.
• Chandrayaan-4 mission planners can use SLIM’s outcomes to assess potential challenges and refine their approach.
• The collaborative success of SLIM establishes a foundation for continued joint efforts, potentially expanding to other lunar exploration initiatives.

FAQ’s related to SLIM Spacecraft