The Astrobotic Technology’s Peregrine lunar lander, part of a NASA mission, faces a critical loss of propellant, jeopardizing its moon landing.
An ongoing propellant leak and propulsion system failure have caused instability.
The lander is rapidly losing fuel, with an estimated 40 hours left before it runs out. (Trending: Fox News Star Accused Of Major Scandal)
Astrobotic Technology wrote in a statement, “An ongoing propellant leak is causing the spacecraft’s Attitude Control System (ACS) thrusters to operate well beyond their expected service life cycles to keep the lander from an uncontrollable tumble.”
“If the thrusters can continue to operate, we believe the spacecraft could continue in a stable sun pointing state for approximately 40 more hours, based on current fuel consumption,” Astrobotic continued.
“At this time, the goal is to get Peregrine as close to lunar distance as we can before it loses the ability to maintain its sun-pointing position and subsequently loses power,” explained the tech company.
According to Astrobotic, “The team is working to try and stabilize this loss, but given the situation, we have prioritized maximizing the science and data we can capture. We are currently assessing what alternative mission profiles may be feasible at this time.”
“The disturbance of the MLI is the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data that points to a propulsion system anomaly,” the company continued.
“Peregrine could become the first commercial lander, and first American lander in over 50 years, to land on the moon,” announced Astrobotic.
The team is prioritizing data capture and assessing alternative mission profiles.
The mission, carrying NASA payloads and significant symbolic cargo, aims to be the first commercial American lander to reach the moon in over 50 years.
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