On Monday 8 January, a spacecraft launched as part of the Peregrine Mission One, a collaboration between NASA and Astrobotic, faced potential failure as it was unable to reach the lunar surface. The Peregrine lunar lander, designed to deliver payloads to the moon’s surface or orbit, was scheduled to land on the moon on 23 February.
Despite a successful liftoff from the Cape Canaveral space station in Florida, the spacecraft encountered multiple issues while en route to the moon. The spacecraft’s propulsion system and a critical loss of propellant led to further complications. The ground-based engineering team attempted to solve the problem but was unable to rectify the situation.
As a result, the Peregrine lander is unlikely to make it to the moon’s surface. Although the spacecraft’s scientific instruments and fully charged battery remain intact, propulsion and power system limitations may preclude a lunar landing. However, it is stated that the spacecraft’s onboard systems can still be rigorously tested in space, providing crucial insights into system resilience and readiness for future lunar missions.
This failure could be a setback for future collaborative missions with private companies aiming to land on the moon. While the Peregrine Mission One may not have been successful in achieving its primary goal, it emphasizes the high-risk nature of space exploration and the lessons learned from such endeavors. Despite the setback, the collaborations and technological advancements developed through this mission can be instrumental in driving down costs and paving the way for more frequent and sustainable lunar missions in the future.