Japan Hopes to Join an Elite Club by Landing on the Moon: A Closer Look
Japan is aiming to achieve the world’s first pinpoint landing on the moon, a feat that would place it among the select group of nations that have successfully reached Earth’s celestial neighbor. This ambitious endeavor reflects the modern push for lunar contact, which traces its origins back to the Cold War-era space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
During the early hours of Saturday, Japan’s space agency announced that it was still in the process of confirming the success of their spacecraft’s moon landing. This follows the setback in April when a Japanese company’s lunar lander crashed during its landing attempt. The meticulous precision required for Japan’s current landing operation signifies the nation’s determination to overcome past failures and cement its place in the exclusive lunar exploration club.
For Japan and other countries vying to enter this exclusive club, accomplishing a successful moon landing holds immense significance. Not only will it bring international scientific acclaim and diplomatic recognition, but it could also carry significant domestic political implications.
Meanwhile, the United States has its own lunar aspirations. NASA is planning to send astronauts to orbit the moon next year and to make a crewed landing by 2026. However, this week, Astrobotic Technology, a U.S. company, faced disappointment as its lunar lander, Peregrine, failed due to a fuel leak, resulting in its burn-up in Earth’s atmosphere. Despite setbacks, the United States remains at an advantage due to its vast resources and robust supply chains, enabling it to leverage private sector initiatives such as SpaceX and Blue Origin in pursuit of its lunar goals. Additionally, another U.S. company, Intuitive Machines, is planning to launch its lunar lander next month.
India has emerged as a major player in lunar exploration following its successful attempt to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole. The mission last year brought widespread jubilation, as India became the first country to accomplish this feat. Building upon this achievement, Indian scientists have expressed their intention to undertake a manned lunar mission in the near future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi regards these advancements as an opportunity to bolster his popularity in the lead-up to a crucial general election. Furthermore, India aims to collaborate with the United States to visit the International Space Station next year, further solidifying its stance as a scientific superpower.
China, having already landed on the moon in 2013 and launched a crewed mission to its orbiting space station last year, is now setting its sights on lunar expeditions. It aims to send astronauts to the moon by the end of this decade. In 2020, China returned from the moon with the first fresh lunar rock samples in over four decades. The country’s space ambitions are closely tied to its rivalry with the United States, as both nations seek to consolidate their diplomatic, political, and military influence in Asia and beyond. China’s exclusion from the International Space Station led to the development of its own space station, highlighting the competition and potential collaboration in lunar exploration.
Russia, once a pioneer in space exploration, has faced setbacks in its recent lunar missions. In 2020, Russia’s Luna-25 failed to land in the same area that India reached. Experts attribute these failures to the country’s loss of space expertise and widespread corruption following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite these challenges, Russia plans to undertake another moon mission in 2027. Russia’s declining influence in the global space launch market, coupled with the rise of private companies like SpaceX, has raised concerns about its standing as a major player in space exploration.
As nations vie for lunar supremacy, their successes and failures have far-reaching consequences. The scientific and technological advances associated with lunar exploration can elevate nations’ standing on the global stage and enhance their political influence. While Japan hopes to join the select few who have achieved lunar landings, the world watches closely as these countries strive to unlock the mysteries of the moon and pave the way for future space exploration.
