After 47 years, Russia‘s first mission to the moon failed when the Russian spacecraft Luna 25 lost control due to problems during preparation for landing on the surface of the moon. Crashed and destroyed.
Russia’s state-run space corporation, Roscosmos, says that it will enter lunar orbit before landing at 11:57 a.m. GMT (2:57 a.m. local time). Lost contact with the ship.
The Russian spacecraft was supposed to make a soft landing on Monday.
According to the news agency Reuters, the destruction of the spacecraft shows that Russia’s once powerful space program has been in decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Roscosmos said in a statement that ‘the spacecraft went into an unpredictable orbit and collided with the lunar surface and was destroyed.’
The Russian space program says that a special departmental commission has been formed to investigate the causes of the Luna 25 crash.
Russia has not attempted to send a mission to the Moon since Luna 24 in 1976 under Leonid Brezhnev. Russia is busy competing with India, whose Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is set to land on the Moon’s south pole this week.
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According to the French news agency AFP, the 800 kg Luna 25 spacecraft was supposed to make a soft landing on the south pole of the moon on Monday, which would be the first time in history.
Russia has not attempted to land on a planet since 1989. In 1989, the Phobos-2 spacecraft developed by the former Soviet Union to study the moons of Mars failed to complete its mission due to a computer malfunction.
Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov told Russian President Vladimir Putin in June that the project had about a 70 percent chance of success.
Luna 25 was successfully inserted into lunar orbit on Wednesday after launching from the Vostoknyi space center in Russia’s Far East.
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#Russian #spaceship #crashed #moon #destroyed #Space #Agency
**Interview with Dr. Elena Sokolov, Space Policy Expert**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sokolov. Following the recent failure of Russia’s Luna 25 mission, what are the implications for Russia’s space program moving forward?
**Dr. Sokolov**: Thank you for having me. The failure of Luna 25 is indeed significant. It highlights the challenges that Russia’s space program has faced since the Soviet era. The loss of this mission not only represents a technical setback but also raises questions about the overall direction and funding of their space endeavors in the future.
**Editor**: Many have noted that this incident underscores the decline of Russia’s space capabilities. How does this compare with the current state of NASA’s Artemis program?
**Dr. Sokolov**: There’s a stark contrast between the two programs. NASA’s Artemis program, especially with the upcoming Artemis II mission, symbolizes a strong commitment to human space exploration. While Russia is struggling with its lunar ambitions, NASA is on the brink of sending astronauts back to the Moon, which showcases the significant investment and innovation happening in the U.S. space sector right now.
**Editor**: Roscosmos indicated the spacecraft entered an “unpredictable orbit” before crash-landing. What might be the technical reasons behind such an error?
**Dr. Sokolov**: Without detailed reports, it’s hard to say definitively, but issues often stem from a combination of software errors, mechanical failures, or improper communication protocols. Given the complexities involved in lunar missions, even minor oversights can lead to catastrophic failures. This incident may force Roscosmos to reevaluate its approach and focus on improving its technology and mission planning.
**Editor**: The Luna 25 mission was aimed at a soft landing on the Moon. What do you think this means for Russia’s future lunar ambitions?
**Dr. Sokolov**: This failure could stall Russia’s lunar ambitions for a while. They will likely need to conduct thorough investigations and regain both technical expertise and public confidence. It may take years for them to attempt a similar mission again unless there are substantial changes in leadership or international collaborations that could reinvigorate their program.
**Editor**: Lastly, how important is international collaboration in maintaining momentum in space exploration, especially for countries like Russia?
**Dr. Sokolov**: Collaborations can be essential. They allow countries to pool resources, share knowledge, and reduce costs. For Russia, engaging in international partnerships could not only help revitalize its own space program but also restore its standing in the global space community. As we’ve seen with NASA’s Artemis program and the potential for international participation, collaboration can pave the way for successful missions that benefit all involved.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Sokolov, for your insights on this pressing issue in aerospace exploration.
**Dr. Sokolov**: Thank you for the opportunity!
