The Japanese space probe that landed on the surface of the Moon on Friday achieved this feat despite an engine malfunction, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Although the probe landed in a different position than planned, it was able to land at the intended location.
Due to the probe not being upright, the solar panels are unable to generate energy, causing the probe to shut down shortly after landing. However, JAXA announced that once sunlight reaches the panels after they are repositioned, there is still a possibility of generating energy.
Despite the engine malfunction, this is a historic achievement for Japan, a country aiming to expand its capabilities in space. With this successful landing, Japan becomes the fifth country, after the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India, to softly land a vehicle on the Moon.
According to the information provided by JAXA, the probe likely lost thrust from one of its two main engines at an altitude of 50 meters. The probe attempted to autonomously control its horizontal position, but its lateral speed was inconsistent with the planned parameters, resulting in the probe landing on its side.
Nevertheless, the probe managed to land only 180 feet east of its target location, achieving a precise landing, which was the main objective of the mission.
JAXA stated that it is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the engine malfunction.
This mission took place days after an unsuccessful lunar landing attempt by a Pittsburgh-based company working with NASA. The spacecraft developed by Astrobotic started leaking fuel shortly after launch from the rocket on its way to the Moon, preventing it from reaching the lunar surface. Nonetheless, the spacecraft traveled deep into space, providing valuable data that the company plans to utilize in future missions.
Next month, the Houston-based space company Intuitive Machines plans to carry out its own landing attempt. If successful, it will be the first American mission in over 50 years to softly land on the Moon and the first commercial vehicle to touch down on the lunar surface.
FAQ:
1. How did the Japanese space probe manage to land on the Moon despite an engine malfunction?
– The Japanese probe was able to land at the intended location, albeit in a different position than planned, despite an engine malfunction.
2. Why can’t the solar panels on the probe generate energy?
– Due to the probe not being upright, the solar panels do not receive sunlight, preventing them from generating energy.
3. Is there a possibility of generating energy on the probe?
– The space agency states that once sunlight reaches the solar panels after their repositioning, there is still a possibility of generating energy.
4. What is the significance of the probe landing on the Moon for Japan?
– It is a historic achievement that showcases Japan as a country expanding its capabilities in space. Japan becomes the fifth country to softly land on the Moon.
5. What caused the engine malfunction on the probe?
– The unsuccessful landing was likely due to a loss of thrust from one of the probe’s two main engines at an altitude of 50 meters. The probe attempted to control its horizontal position autonomously, but its lateral speed was inconsistent with the planned parameters, resulting in a sideways landing.
6. What are the plans of Intuitive Machines?
– The Houston-based company, Intuitive Machines, plans to conduct its own landing attempt on the Moon next month. If successful, it will be the first American mission in over 50 years to softly land on the Moon and the first commercial vehicle to do so.
Definitions:
– Space probe – an unmanned spacecraft sent to explore and study space.
– JAXA – the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
– Solar panels – panels made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electrical energy.
– Engine – a device that converts energy into mechanical motion.
Suggested links:
JAXA Official Website
NASA Official Website
The source of the article is from the blog qhubo.com.ni