Japan’s "SLIM" Lander Successfully Enters Lunar Orbit.

Science & Technology | Dated: 26 Dec 2025

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that its "Smart Lander for Investigating Moon" (SLIM) has successfully entered the Moon's orbit. Nicknamed the "Moon Sniper", the lander aims to achieve a high-precision landing within 100 meters of its target site, a significant improvement over conventional landing zones of several kilometers.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • The landing attempt is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
  • If successful, Japan will become the fifth country to soft-land on the Moon after USSR, USA, China, and India.
  • It carries two small rovers to investigate the lunar surface composition.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • Mission: SLIM (Moon Sniper).
  • Goal: Pinpoint Landing.
  • Status: Entered Lunar Orbit.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which country's lunar lander, nicknamed "Moon Sniper", recently entered the lunar orbit?

Correct Answer: Japan

🚀 Quick Recap:

About JAXA

  • President – Hiroshi Yamakawa
  • HQ – Tokyo, Japan