Title: Russia’s Failed Lunar Mission Highlights Challenges Faced by Space Program
Subtitle: Ambitious but Unsuccessful Attempt Exposes Deep-rooted Issues in Moscow’s Space Industry
Date: [Current Date]
In an ambitious yet unsuccessful endeavor, Russia’s attempt to return to the moon after almost half a century has laid bare the monumental challenges faced by the country’s space program. The recent crash of the robotic Luna-25 probe on the lunar surface reflects the longstanding problems that have plagued the Russian space industry since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. These issues include the loss of crucial technologies during the post-Soviet industrial crisis, the impact of Western sanctions, a significant brain drain, and pervasive corruption.
Yuri Borisov, the head of state-controlled space corporation Roscosmos, attributed the failure to a lack of expertise resulting from the extended hiatus in lunar research since the last Soviet mission in 1976. Borisov stated, “The priceless experience that our predecessors earned in the 1960-70s was effectively lost. The link between generations has been cut.”
Although the USSR lost the race to land humans on the moon to the United States, the Soviet lunar program achieved numerous successful pioneering missions. These included the deployment of lunar rovers and the return of soil samples to Earth. The Soviet Union also holds the distinction of launching the first satellite in space in 1957 and sending the first human into orbit in 1961.
Mikhail Marov, a 90-year-old scientist who played a significant role in planning previous lunar missions, was hospitalized after the Luna-25 failure. Marov expressed his disappointment, saying, “It was very hard. It’s the work of all my life. For me, it was the last chance to see the revival of our lunar program.”
Borisov revealed that the spacecraft’s thruster fired for 127 seconds instead of the planned 84 seconds, leading to the crash. A government commission will investigate the glitch. Experts, however, indicated that signs of equipment problems had emerged prior to the crash, raising questions about the decision to proceed with the landing.
The mission’s target, the lunar south pole, is of immense interest to scientists who believe that the area’s permanently shaded craters may contain frozen water that could be transformed into air and rocket fuel by future explorers.
One significant factor exacerbating Russia’s space woes, potentially contributing to the Luna-25 failure, is the impact of Western sanctions imposed on Moscow due to its involvement in Ukraine. These sanctions have hindered the import of crucial components and restricted scientific exchanges. Roscosmos had partnered with the European Space Agency for the Luna-25 mission, with the ESA providing a camera for the landing. However, the partnership was halted after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, prompting the ESA to request the removal of its camera from the spacecraft.
Furthermore, the use of substandard components, even prior to the latest Western sanctions, has plagued Russia’s space program. In 2011, a mission to send a probe to Mars’ moon Phobos failed due to the spacecraft’s thrusters’ inability to redirect it towards Mars. Investigators attributed the problem to the use of cheap commercial microchips unfit for space conditions. Some observers speculate that the use of substandard components may have been a means to embezzle government funds.
Roscosmos suffered a series of satellite launch failures during Dmitry Rogozin’s tenure as its chief, resulting in Russia losing its once-prominent position in the global space launch market. Rogozin was criticized for failing to address rampant corruption within the agency. Borisov succeeded Rogozin a year ago, and while some suggest that the Luna-25 failure may cost him his job, President Vladimir Putin’s track record indicates a tendency to avoid quick personnel changes in response to incidents.
The Luna-25 crash not only diminishes Russia’s prestige but also raises doubts about its technological prowess, particularly following military blunders in Ukraine. Political analyst Sergei Markov stated, “The consequences of the Luna-25 catastrophe are enormous. It raises doubts about Russia’s claims of great power status in the eyes of the global community.”
Despite the setback, Borisov remains optimistic and emphasizes the importance of lunar research for defense capability and technological sovereignty. Roscosmos plans to intensify its work on future moon missions, with the next one scheduled for 2027. Borisov adds, “Under no circumstances should we interrupt our lunar program. It would be an utterly wrong decision.”
The failed Luna-25 mission serves as a wake-up call for Russia’s space industry, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms, increased investments, and a renewed focus on innovation to regain its position as a global leader in space exploration.