Japan just landed on the moon!!! But now, the spacecraft is upside down. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.

This is a huge deal, not only because it makes Japan the fifth nation to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the moon, but also because they accomplished a very accurate landing, just 55 meters from target – which is WAY more precise than most spacecraft aim for.

But not everything went as planned upon landing. But one of its main engines not lost thrust at the end and it tumbled, which means its solar panels are facing the wrong way and won’t be able to generate electricity. It could recharge as the sun moves, but for now, Japan has unlocking a new era of more targeted exploration on the moon and, hopefully, beyond!

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