▲ Commemorative group photo of the award recipients (© Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun,LTD)
The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), a small-scale lunar landing demonstration module, received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award at the 54th Japan Industrial Technology Awards, hosted by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, LTD.
The Japan Industrial Technology Awards recognizes outstanding technological achievements that contribute to the advancement of industrial technology in Japan. Winners are selected annually by a judging committee composed of academic and technical experts, with awards given to the companies and groups responsible for the development and practical implementation of the technologies.
Marking its 10th year, the "Home Appliance Awards" nominates 200 products annually, with winners selected through reader votes.
SLIM was recognized with the Minister’s Award as a collaborative effort involving 12 companies, including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Sharp Energy Solutions Corporation (SESJ). At the award ceremony held on April 2 at the Keidanren Kaikan in Otemachi, Tokyo, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Senior Director of the Compound Business Promotion Division at SESJ, accepted the certificate and plaque on behalf of the recipients.
▲ Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Senior Director, Compound Business Promotion Division, SESJ
▲ Certificate and award plaque for the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award
■ SESJ’s Role in the SLIM Mission
SLIM achieved a high-precision lunar landing on January 20, 2024 (JST). It marked the world’s first successful landing with a positional accuracy of less than 100 meters from the target site. With a launch weight of approximately 700 kg, SLIM is also among the lightest landers globally. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of compact, lightweight, and precise lander systems, which is expected to contribute to the increased frequency of lunar and planetary exploration missions. It is also anticipated to advance the development of a lunar economic sphere.
SESJ developed the thin-film compound solar cells used on SLIM. These cells are sealed in a thin-film structure, making them both lightweight and flexible enough to be mounted on curved surfaces. They are ideally suited for space applications where high efficiency and reduced weight are critical.
▲ (Left) Illustration of SLIM (© JAXA)
(Right) Thin-film compound solar cells mounted on SLIM
SESJ will continue to promote research and development of solar cells for space applications and contribute to satellite and space exploration projects led by JAXA and other organizations.