Fated US Moon Lander Now ‘Heading Earthward’
The Peregrine lander, a private US lunar lander, has been experiencing fuel leaks throughout its journey. However, the company, Astrobotic, announced on Saturday that the lander is now headed for Earth and is expected to burn up in the atmosphere. Since its launch on January 8, Astrobotic has been providing regular updates on the status of the ill-fated voyage. Shortly after separating from the rocket, the lander encountered an onboard explosion, making it clear that it would not be able to make a soft lunar touchdown due to the significant amount of propellant it was losing. Despite this setback, Astrobotic’s team managed to power up the science experiments they were carrying for NASA and other space agencies, as well as collect spaceflight data.
The company stated that the spacecraft is currently on a trajectory towards Earth and is likely to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Astrobotic is currently assessing options and will provide updates as soon as possible. The box-shaped robot has been in space for over five days and is currently located 242,000 miles (390,000 kilometers) away from Earth. Although many had hoped for a “hard landing” on the Moon, similar to previous failed landers, it is now evident that even this reduced goal will not be achieved. In addition to scientific equipment, the lander is carrying cargo for private clients of Astrobotic, including a sports drink can, a physical Bitcoin, as well as human and animal ashes and DNA.
Astrobotic, a private entity, joins the list of unsuccessful soft landings, following an Israeli nonprofit and a Japanese company.
Under the experimental program called Commercial Lunar Payload Services, NASA had provided Astrobotic with over $100 million to transport its cargo. The primary objective of this program is to establish a commercial lunar economy and reduce NASA’s own expenses.
Although the recent attempt did not succeed, NASA officials have emphasized their strategy of “more shots on goal,” which increases the opportunities for success. The next launch, scheduled for February, will be conducted by Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based company.
Astrobotic will have another opportunity in November when its Griffin lander carries NASA’s VIPER rover to the lunar south pole.
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