Smart Lander for Investigating Moon

SLIM

Mission Profile

SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) is JAXA's precision lunar lander demonstrator, launched on 6 September 2023 aboard an H-IIA and successfully soft-landing on the lunar surface near Shioli Crater on 19 January 2024. SLIM demonstrated a novel image-based navigation system allowing it to land within 100 meters of its target — far more precise than previous missions — validating technology essential for future exploration of scientifically valuable but terrain-challenging lunar sites. The lander was accompanied by two tiny deployable rovers, LEV-1 and LEV-2, and confirmed the presence of olivine-rich rocks interpreted as possible mantle material excavated by an ancient asteroid impact. Despite landing on its nose due to a main engine failure, SLIM's science instruments functioned successfully during lunar day operations.