2024-01-13 18:31:00
The Peregrine mission’s Vulcan Centaur rocket suffered a fuel leak on January 8, 2024, preventing it from reaching the Moon. It is currently drifting through space carrying ashes and human DNA.
Lost 350,000 kilometers away, human ashes drift in space. Transported aboard the Vulcan Centaur rocket, the Peregrine lunar missioncells and remains of human origin were expected to land on the moon a few days following their departure on January 8 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, reports Geo.
The mission’s first objective was ultimately aborted due to a fuel leak. The craft is currently hundreds of miles from Earth, unable to continue its plan, but still sending valuable data to scientists.
Mission failure
The start-up Astrobotic, behind the Peregrine moon lander, missed its entry into history. It was to be the first to send an American spacecraft to the Moon in 50 years. Despite this fuel leak which puts an end to its lunar epic, it is looking for “solutions to extend its lifespan”.
Sending a spacecraft to the Moon is not easy. I commend @Astrobotic‘s hard work, resilience, and commitment as they navigate the challenges facing their mission. With any breakthrough innovation comes rewards and risks. Each lunar endeavor expands the opportunities for us to… https://t.co/zmZD8qj0P1
— Dr. Nicky Fox (@NASAScienceAA) January 11, 2024
And for good reason, on board the machine, precious samples sent for scientific experiments. Beyond these tests to be carried out, Vulcan Centaur carried symbols: messages from children, human ashes, memorial plaques, artists’ works, bitcoins… it was ultimately the return of human presence on the Moon, gin The Parisian.
Why 50 years later?
During the Apollo missions, between 1969 and 1972, only 4% of the Moon’s surface were sampled and studied. Many mysteries remain regarding the formation and geology of the Moon.
If Man had to wait five decades before setting foot on the Moon once more, it is because it remains a technological and budgetary prowess. It takes 277,000 euros per kilo sent into orbit around the satellite, 1.1 million on its surface and 4.15 million for an Astrobotic rover.
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