Japanese Lunar Exploration Program 2007, after being delayed several times. SELENE-2, Japan's first lunar lander and rover, is expected to be launched in the 2020s. The program also includes a lunar sample return mission (SELENE-3), a mission to Mars to collect data for future manned expeditions (MELOS), participation in the Mars international sample return mission, and an advanced lander for future human missions to the Moon. The eventual goal is to participate in an international lunar outpost program, in which Japanese crews would stay on the lunar surface for a prolonged period of time and promote scientific research and environment utilization. SELENE (Selenological and
Lunar Lander (spacecraft) rotation of the Moon). <br> Batteries are used to bridge short periods without solar power. Solar power is unavailable in LLO when the lander goes into lunar eclipse and on the ground, when mountain peaks at the horizon cover the Sun. Landing operations will also be conducted relying solely on battery power. The spacecraft employs three types of engines: All of the 500 and 220 N engines will be needed to deliver sufficient thrust to decelerate the lander from low lunar orbital velocity for controlled final descend. The vehicle uses traditional means of navigation during its transfer trajectory to the