The Vulcan rocket, launched by United Launch Alliance, successfully deployed Astrobotic’s lunar lander. However, Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander encountered a propulsion issue that prevented it from achieving the desired sun-pointing orientation. NASA is currently evaluating the situation and will provide further updates when available.
Joel Kearns, the deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington, emphasized the importance of learning from both successes and setbacks. He expressed confidence that this experience will drive their efforts to advance scientific research, exploration, and commercial development on the Moon.
Astrobotic acknowledged an ongoing propellant leak that is affecting the spacecraft’s Attitude Control System (ACS) thrusters, causing them to operate beyond their expected service life cycle. The primary objective now is to bring Peregrine as close to the lunar distance as possible before it loses the ability to maintain its sun-pointing position and subsequently loses power.
