Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:JAXA
Apps
Biotech & Health
mood
Image Credits:JAXA
Cloud Computing
Commerce Department
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
fundraise
widget
gage
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
privateness
Robotics
Security
Social
blank space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
video
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Japan ’s first lunar lander has officially powered down on the moon after its solar cubicle were ineffectual to render electricity , though the res publica ’s space federal agency said there is a possibility of change state things around when the management of the sun ’s rays vary .
Japanmade chronicle last weekwhen its lander , Smart Lander for investigate Moon ( SLIM ) , successfully touch on down on the lunar month ’s surface last hebdomad . Shortly after landing , directors of the mission explained that while the subdued landing was a minimal achiever , the space vehicle ’s solar cells were not generating power .
An update , posted yesterday on X , appears to confirm that the solar cell anomaly is related to an “ posture , ” or pointing , issue with the space vehicle , as opposed to some electric or mechanically skillful issue with the solar prison cell themselves .
“ According to the telemetry data , SLIM ’s solar cell are facing westward , ” the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA ) enjoin in the update . “ So if sunlight begin to shine on the lunar surface from the Benjamin West , there is a possibility of generating power , and we are educate for recovery . SLIM can lock with exponent only from the solar cells . ”
In the interim , JAXA said that the shelling was disconnected at a 12 % great power floor , as planned , to avoid over - dismission .
Japan can count a handful of other major winnings in the mission , even if the solar cellphone never manage to send up sufficiently for a recovery surgical procedure . The representation “ obtained a lot of datum ” from the landing place descent and on the lunar Earth’s surface , officials enjoin ; in addition , the two rovers that were aboard the lander were successfully deploy on the open .
The agency has yet to declare why the ballistic capsule did not bring pointing in the right focussing , but JAXA official are preparing an extra update on the status of the ballistic capsule at the oddment of the week .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
“ Although the attitude after landing did not go as planned , we are glad we could [ sic ] achieve so much and are happy to have landed successfully , ” the agency said . “ We ’re also frantic to analyze the data . ”
