Astrobotic, a space logistics startup, has encountered a significant setback with its lunar spacecraft, Peregrine. According to the company, the spacecraft has suffered a “critical loss of propellant,” pointing to a failure within its propulsion system. This development jeopardizes the mission, which was intended to be the first U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon’s surface since Apollo 17 in 1972.
The first visual indications of the problem were captured in an image of Peregrine from space, showing “disturbed” Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) – a clue aligning with data that suggests an anomaly in the propulsion system. Despite this setback, the spacecraft’s battery, which had earlier run low, is now fully charged following an improvised maneuver to align its solar array towards the sun.
The mission, which launched from Florida on a new Vulcan rocket at 7.18 am UK time, was progressing as planned until the anomaly occurred. Astrobotic has been transparent about the challenges, stating that they are using the existing power to perform as many payload and spacecraft operations as possible.
NASA, involved in the mission with five scientific investigations aboard Peregrine, is working with Astrobotic to determine the root cause of the propulsion issue. The space agency acknowledges the inherent difficulties of space missions, encapsulated in the phrase “Space is hard.”
The issue threatens the spacecraft’s ability to achieve a soft landing on the moon, initially scheduled for February 23. Astrobotic had previously reported that Peregrine had successfully separated from the Vulcan rocket, but the propulsion problem emerged shortly thereafter.
This mission has attracted attention not only for its scientific objectives but also for its commercial payloads. Among these are the remains of several Star Trek cast members and the DNA of former U.S. presidents, including John F. Kennedy. The mission has also sparked controversy, particularly from the Navajo Nation, which expressed concerns over the transport of human remains to the moon.
Astrobotic CEO John Thornton has emphasized the significance of leading America back to the moon. The mission aims to leverage discoveries like lunar water, which could support future space exploration, including missions to Mars.
As the team at Astrobotic works to resolve the propulsion issue, the future of the Peregrine Mission hangs in balance, highlighting the challenges and complexities of space exploration.
