First private American moon mission failed

Initially, the start on Monday went as planned and the systems worked as expected. “Unfortunately, there was a malfunction that prevented ‘Astrobotic’ from taking a stable position towards the sun.” According to initial investigations, it is likely a malfunction in the propulsion system. A first photo from space also showed a damaged insulation layer.

In the meantime, however, it was possible to direct the position of the “Peregrine” capsule towards the sun and recharge the battery. “Every success and setback are opportunities to learn and grow,” said NASA Manager Joel Kearns. “We will use this lesson to further our efforts in lunar exploration, exploration and commercial development.”

The capsule should at least orbit the moon
The capsule must now be brought at least as close to lunar orbit as possible “before it loses the ability to aim towards the sun and the batteries then run out,” Astrobotic said. As reported, the unmanned lander “Peregrine” was launched Monday morning from the Cape Canaveral spaceport aboard a “Vulcan Centaur” rocket. The capsule was actually supposed to land on the moon at the end of February; it would be the first unmanned moon landing since Apollo more than fifty years ago.

NASA wants to study, among other things, the moon’s exosphere and investigate the thermal properties and water content of the material on the moon’s surface. According to current information, three men and one woman are expected to orbit the moon by the end of the year. Next year, astronauts and a female astronaut will land on the moon again. A moon base will later also become the basis for missions to Mars.