Astrobotic Technology's first lunar landing attempt has ended in failure after its rocket suffered a "critical" fuel loss while it was en route to the moon.
Supposed to be the first lunar lander in the US in five decades, the Peregrine Mission One experienced a "failure within the propulsion system" less than 10 hours after it was launched.
Update #4 for Peregrine Mission One: pic.twitter.com/6uISAG3Je1
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 8, 2024
The Pittsburgh-based aerospace firm said it will be trying to maneuver the spacecraft "as close to lunar distance as we can" before it loses its ability to maintain its sun-facing position.
A sun-facing position is necessary for satellites to charge their batteries via solar panels. Failure to maintain the position will risk the satellite to run out of power soon.
The Peregrine satellite carries payloads from NASA to study the moon's surface, as well as other odd trinkets like a physical bitcoin, small robots from Mexico, and cremated part of over 200 people.
Peregrine is initially scheduled to softly land on the moon on Feb. 23, Friday.
Also Read: Astrobotics's Lunar Lander Allows People to Send Cremated Remains to the Moon
US Private Companies Race to Reach the Moon
The US is currently having its second race to the moon with more private companies launching their rockets to reach the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
Another moon lander by Houston-based Intuitive Machines is scheduled to launch next month as it aims to become the first commercial craft to land on the moon.
There is also the NASA Artemis mission where several private aerospace companies have joined to provide solutions, equipment, and even the ride for the US to bring astronauts to the moon.
Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Nokia, Lockheed Martin, and General Motors have already contributed to the mission.
US Records the Most Space Launches in 2023
While the lunar mission proposes new business ventures and a better understanding of Earth's only natural satellite, more space debris is being recorded with the increase of orbital launches by the US.
The Western country hosted 109 successful space launches last year. This is not to count all the failed missions that were able to make it to outer orbit before dying.
The US government has already tasked NASA to create a new agency to collect space debris to reduce risks for future missions.
Related Article: US Leads in Record-Breaking 210 Orbital Launches in 2023
