The mission was ticking along nicely, until it wasnt.
Almost immediately, the spacecraft forged a link with NASAs Deep Space data pipe.
ET, Astroboticdeclaredthe probe as having entered into a fully operational state.
This image, taken in space from a camera mounted atop Peregrine’s payload deck, shows a very warped Multi-Layer Insulation, “the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly,” Astrobotic said in statement.Photo: Astrobotic
But a fourth update, posted on X just after 2:00 p.m.
ET, was less optimistic, revealing the seriousness of the situation.
To which it added: We are currently assessing what alternative mission profiles may be feasible at this time.
Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander getting loaded into ULA’s Vulcan rocket.Photo: Astrobotic
The phrases critical loss of propellant and alternative mission profiles do not bode well.
NASAs strategy of increasingly relying on private sector partnerships for its operations is now likely to face heightened scrutiny.
If theres a silver lining in any of this, its thatULAs Vulcan Centaurperformed nominally during its inaugural flight.
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