The Peregrine spacecraft was powered by a Vulcan rocket developed by United Launch Alliance. Photo: ULA / Twitter
The Peregrine's workAmerica's most recent attempt to put its mark on the moon after five decades has met with an unexpected outcome in space after the spacecraft registered.A significant loss of momentum”A significant setback that frustrated its scientific and symbolic aims.
The effort, run by private company Astrobotic Technology and partially funded by NASA, aims to retrieve the remains. More than 90 people (gray and DNA samples) and News from 80,000 children around the world.
Failure of Peregrine's mission
Launched on January 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Peregrine promised to be a beacon of space achievement and posthumous tribute. However, 6 hours after liftoff, the private lunar mission encountered a technical hurdle that stalled. Orientation of your solar panels towards the sun.
Although the engineers managed a maneuver to charge their batteries, a leak in the propulsion system drained them of the fuel essential for their planned successful moon landing on February 23, the company said through its networks. Now, the Astromobile is floating in space.
Ashes and DNA from passengers on board
Peregrine had more than just scientific instruments on board: it carried 15 payloads ordered by private companies, two of which Celestis Y Elysium SpaceThey carried human remains: ashes and samples of genetic material.
Among these remains were famous television personalities such as Gray and the British author of the pioneers of science fiction literature. Arthur C. Clark Y The cast of 'Star Trek'Report Scientific American.
DNA samples of former US presidents such as George Washington Y John F. KennedyAnd even the cremated remains of a dog.
The only photo of the Peregrine spacecraft taken in space. Photo: Astrobotic Technology
The goal of astrobotics with mission
Astrobotic now faces the challenge of making the most of what's left of the Peregrine mission, trying to get the spacecraft as close to the moon as possible before it runs out of power.
Despite the setback, the space agency and NASA are looking to future opportunities, with additional missions planned for 2024, keeping hopes alive of establishing a permanent presence on the moon.
