Update: 2:07 p.m.
ET: A fourth update from Astrobotic, issued around 1:00 p.m.
ET, is exceptionally discouraging.
ULA’s Vulcan Centaur lifted off on January 8, 2024 at 2:18 a.m. ET from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.Photo: C&J Images
Update: 12:54 p.m.
ET: Astrobotic issued athird updateat 12:34 p.m.
ET, and the news is more encouraging.
We have successfully re-established communications with Peregrine after the known communication blackout, the company stated on X.
The teams improvised maneuver was successful in reorienting Peregrines solar array towards the Sun.
We are now charging the battery.
On Monday,Astrobotics Peregrine lander lifted offat 2:18 a.m.
ET from Cape Canaverals Space Launch Complex-41.
If Peregrine cant recharge its batteries or sustain power, the mission will be unable to continue.
At around 11:06 a.m.
ET, Astrobotic issued a second, more ominous statement.
As the team fights to troubleshoot the issue, the spacecraft battery is reaching operationally low levels.
This was done just prior to losing contact with the spacecraft, which entered its anticipated communication silence.
Updates on Peregrines status will be shared once it re-establishes connection with the ground station.
This is an evolving story, and further details will be provided as more information becomes available.
The lander is scheduled for a lunar touchdown in February.
ULA is planning on launching Vulcan at least seven more times this year.
Also, Indias Chandrayaan-2 mission crashed in 2019, not 2023.
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