private-us-lunar-lander-faces-failure-after-fuel-loss

The journey of the Peregrine lunar lander, developed by Astrobotic Technology, has come to an abrupt halt after encountering a critical fuel leak post it's launch on Monday. 

The spacecraft, being a key player in the first US moon landing in it's 50 years, managed to orient its lander towards the sun to charge it's battery using solar panels. But an unexpected anomly led to critical fuel leak, raising doubts about the planned moon landing scheduled for february 2023. 

NASA and Astrobotic Technology are now working dilligently to assess the situation and determine the feasibility of proceding with the historic mission.

Astrobotic posted today on X, "An ongoing propellant leak has caused the spacecraft's altitude control system(ACS) thrusters to operate well beyond their expected service life cycles to keep the lander from an uncontrollable tumble, if the thrusters can continute to operate, we believe the spacecraft could continue in a stable sun pointing state for approximately 40 more hours, based on the current fuel consumption"

"At this time, the goal is to get Peregrine as close to lunar distance as we can before it loses the ability to maintain it's sun-pointing position and subsequently lose power", stated Astrobotic.

Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA's science mission directorate in Washington, asserted, "Each success and setback are opportunities to learn and grow" 

In a recent post, NASA said it was assessing the situation and would provide more information as soon as it is available.