Unfortunately, it landed on its head.
Japan’s space agency still considers the mission a success.
In that regard, it succeeded.
Usually, scientists are happy if they can land within several kilometers of their intended LZ.
Retrieved telemetry data showed that the craft’s engines lost power during descent.
The malfunction prevented the SLIM from rotating to its upright landing position.
However, the mission was not a total failure.
Space.com notes that it also released two small spherical robot rovers LEV-1 and LEV-2 despite being overturned.
Mission engineers say the SLIM is “silent but still alive.”
“This success is thanks to everyone involved and everyone who supported us as we pursued our dreams together.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Very few recent attempts to land a craft on the Moon have succeeded.
