Japan lands on Moon but glitch threatens mission

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Japan hopes sunlight can save stricken Slim Moon lander

The Slim spacecraft was turned off just three hours after its historic lunar touchdown on Saturday to save power.

Engineers had realised its solar cells were pointing west, away from the Sun, and could not generate electricity.

But the mission team is now hopeful the situation could improve as lighting conditions shift.

"If sunlight hits the Moon from the west in the future, we believe there's a possibility of power generation, and we're currently preparing for restoration," the Jaxa statement read.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68055186