Japan's space agency JAXA is attempting to make history with its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission.

The mission aims to demonstrate precise landing technology and search for water on the moon.

This is a response to China's advancements in lunar exploration.

The spacecraft is equipped with various tools for analyzing and capturing images of the moon's surface.

The scheduled landing for January 19 will be live-streamed on YouTube.

If successful, this could mark a turning point for lunar exploration and give Japan an advantage in international missions.

JAXA is collaborating with India's space agency for a mission to the moon's south pole.