A private mission to land on the Moon is facing potential failure due to technical problems, which is a setback for America’s ambitions of placing its first robot on the lunar surface in 50 years. Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lunar Lander, attached to United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan rocket, successfully launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station but encountered difficulties in pointing the spacecraft toward the sun. This alignment is crucial for the solar panel to generate maximum power and ensure the mission’s success. Astrobotic suspects a propulsion anomaly as the likely cause and expressed concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to soft land on the Moon. Peregrine is currently in a communication blackout, and further updates will be provided once contact is re-established. The mission aims to reach the Moon and maintain an orbit before landing on a mid-latitude region called Sinus Viscositatis on February 23. The United States turned to the commercial sector to stimulate a broader lunar economy, and failures like this could invite criticism of the new strategy. NASA paid Astrobotic over $100 million for the mission, and another contracted company, Intuitive Machines, plans to launch in February. Successful private missions to the Moon have been limited, with approximately half of all attempts failing. Despite challenges, the mission’s scientific instruments will investigate radiation and surface composition, aiding in preparations for future human missions. However, the inclusion of human remains and DNA, including those of notable individuals like Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, has sparked objections from the Navajo Nation. Despite their objections, the cargo was not removed from the mission.
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Private Moon Landing Mission at Risk of Failure – Here’s Why
