Punjab Post/Bureau
Japan’s maiden lunar mission encountered an unexpected twist on Thursday, as the spacecraft successfully landed on the moon’s surface but found itself upside down. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) celebrated hitting the precise target zone, marking Japan as the fifth country in history to reach the moon. However, a snag with the probe’s solar batteries initially obscured confirmation of the successful landing.
Despite the unforeseen challenge, JAXA later determined that the spacecraft landed an impressive 55 meters from its intended target. Regrettably, a post-landing mishap unfolded as the craft’s solar panels ended up facing the wrong direction, rendering it unable to generate power.
Officials from JAXA express optimism, stating that there is still hope the probe may recharge when the Moon enters its daytime cycle in the coming days. The unusual landing scenario adds a layer of complexity to Japan’s lunar mission, showcasing both success and a unique set of challenges. The incident underscores the intricate nature of space exploration and the unpredictability of such missions. As Japan grapples with the upside-down landing, the global space community watches with interest, anticipating further developments and innovative solutions from the Japanese space agency.