Despite the setback, Peregrine does not suppress enthusiasm for the development of the lunar economy
The Peregrine lander, built by Astrobotic as part of a partnership with NASA, became lost in the South Pacific, most likely burning up in the atmosphere at the end of its failed mission to the Moon.
Peregrine launched on January 8th as part of an experimental partnership between NASA and the private sector to reduce costs to US taxpayers and boost the lunar economy. However, after separation from the rocket, the module experienced a fuel leak and damage to its outer shell, making it impossible to reach its target.
Astrobotic reported a loss of contact with Peregrine around 21:00 GMT on Thursday 18 January, saying a “controlled return” had occurred as expected. The company is now awaiting independent confirmation of Peregrine's fate from government authorities.
A photograph taken by Peregrine on the last day of its flight shows Earth's crescent moon. This photo causes admiration among enthusiasts, because the module was in space for more than 10 days, despite failing to achieve the main goal — controlled descent to the Moon, which would be the first time an American module reaches the Moon after more than 50 years since the Apollo program.
As part of the program, Astrobotic received more than $100,000,000 from NASA to deliver scientific instruments to the Moon as part of the Artemis program, preparing in the next decade. Astrobotic was also supposed to deliver cargo from private clients, including DNA and the remains of about 70 people, including Gene Roddenbury, creator of the TV series «Star Trek» and Arthur C. Clarke, science fiction author.
Despite the failure, NASA emphasized its strategy that “the more attempts, the greater the chance of success.” The next CLIPS mission is scheduled by Intuitive Machines for February.
Another spacecraft, «Lunar Sniper» (SLIM), developed by the Japanese space agency JAXA, will be the next vehicle to attempt a soft descent to the Moon. The event is expected around midnight Japan time on Saturday, January 20th.