Japan’s Moon Lander Resumes Mission and Unveils Detailed Images of Lunar Surface

After resuming operations, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (Jaxa) Moon lander has started to study its surroundings and transmit new images to Earth. The lander, which had landed face-down on the lunar surface, was put into sleep mode to conserve power. However, a change in sunlight direction has “awoken” the craft. The mission team has already studied images of the landing site and identified specific rocks, giving an indication of their size by naming them after dog breeds. The lander’s scientific camera, the Multi-Band Camera (MBC), has captured close-up images of a rock called “toy poodle,” which reveals its mineral composition. This detailed geology can help scientists understand the Moon’s history and identify substances that could be used for future missions, such as fuel or a water supply. While the craft’s operation duration is uncertain due to dependence on sunlight, it has successfully achieved its pinpoint landing target near the intended site.