New Orleans, LA – January 11, 2024 – In a display of remarkable resilience, Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander has defied the odds and begun delivering data from several of its payloads, despite a crippling propellant leak that threatens its mission.
The leak, which occurred shortly after the lander’s launch on January 8th, caused attitude control problems and made a soft landing on the moon impossible. However, Astrobotic engineers have managed to squeeze precious hours out of the remaining fuel, allowing them to power up and activate nine of the 20 payloads on board.
Among the active payloads are four NASA science experiments, a technology demonstration lidar, and several rovers, including Carnegie Mellon University’s IRIS and Mexico’s COLMENA micro-rovers. These payloads are now collecting valuable data on the lunar environment, despite the precarious situation.
“These payloads have now been able to prove operational capability in space, and payload teams are analyzing the impact of this development now,” Astrobotic said in a statement. “We are proud of the mission team for achieving this incredible feat under such challenging circumstances.”
Also Read: Dreams on Hold: Peregrine Faces Grim Fate, Fuel Leak Threatens Moon Landing
The leak, believed to be caused by a malfunctioning valve, has significantly shortened the lander’s lifespan. With only 36 hours of fuel remaining as of yesterday, the spacecraft will eventually lose its ability to stabilize and point its solar panels at the sun, cutting off its power supply.
Despite the setback, Astrobotic remains determined to make the most of the remaining time. Engineers are working to maximize data collection and explore alternative mission objectives, such as using the remaining fuel for scientific experiments or maneuvers.
Peregrine’s struggle to deliver its payloads to the moon serves as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity. While the mission may not have gone as planned, the data collected from the active payloads could still yield valuable scientific insights and pave the way for future lunar exploration.
Key points:
- Peregrine suffered a propellant leak shortly after launch, preventing a soft landing.
- Despite the leak, nine of the 20 payloads have been activated and are collecting data.
- The leak has significantly shortened the lander’s lifespan, with only 36 hours of fuel remaining.
- Astrobotic is working to maximize data collection and explore alternative mission objectives.
This news report provides a concise and informative overview of the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by Peregrine while celebrating the team’s success in activating several payloads and collecting valuable data.