Japan's K P L O Magnetometer Aims to Solve Another Lunar Mystery

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Scientists are baffled as to how the moon had a strong magnetic field in its early history, billions of years ago. The moon's tiny iron core is so small that no existing theory can explain how it once generated astrong magnetic field. Japan's slim mission will be first probe sent to lunar surface since Soviets' luna 24 sample return mission in 19 76. Slim aims to use highly precise lunar landing technologies which could allow future missions to set down with high degree of accuracy.

In the next year, no fewer than seven missions are heading to the Moon. While NASA's Artemis programme might be stealing most of the limelight, the United States is just one of many nations and private companies that soon plan to launch lunar missions.

Although some of the agencies running these expeditions are providing scant details about the missions, it is hoped the they will provide streams of data about the Moon, heralding what scientists say could be a new golden age of lunar exploration.

This is an audio version of our Feature: These six countries are about to go to the Moon — here’s why

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