Japan has achieved success in its fourth attempt to launch the H2A rocket, carrying the unmanned lunar lander called SLIM and the astronomical observation satellite XRISM. The launch took place from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima province at 08:42 local time. SLIM will collect topographic data of the lunar surface using imaging technology and is set to reach lunar orbit in 3 to 4 months, with plans for a soft landing in 4 to 6 months. XRISM aims to capture detailed images of stars and galaxies, with its data contributing to the US-led Artemis project’s goal of returning humans to the Moon by 2025. Japan’s lunar mission aims to make it the fifth country to achieve a lunar landing, following the former Soviet Union, USA, China, and India.
The launch was delayed from its original date of August 28 due to weather conditions.