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Peregrine moon lander on trajectory to crash into Earth

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Astrobotic has announced that its Peregrine spacecraft that failed in its lunar landing mission due to a fuel leak is now on a trajectory back to Earth.

Astrobotic stated that it has closely tracked Peregrine’s trajectory in recent days. Launched by the Vulcan Centaur, the spacecraft followed a highly elliptical orbit extending beyond the moon’s orbit. The initial plan was for it to swing back around Earth before reaching and entering lunar orbit.

“Our analysis efforts have been challenging due to the propellant leak, which have been adding uncertainty to predictions of the vehicle’s trajectory,” the company said in a statement.

“Our latest assessment now shows the spacecraft is on a path towards Earth, where it will likely burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere.”

The company did not  specify the re-entry time or location. However, based on available tracking data, independent analysts have approximated a re-entry expected around late January 18 in the vicinity of Australia.

Astrobotic confirmed in a statement that it would allow the spacecraft to re-enter rather than attempt a manoeuvre with its remaining fuel.

“Working with NASA, we received inputs from the space community and the U.S. Government on the most safe and responsible course of action to end Peregrine’s mission. The recommendation we have received is to let the spacecraft burn up during re-entry in Earth’s atmosphere,” the company stated.

 “As such, we have made the difficult decision to maintain the current spacecraft’s trajectory to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. By responsibly ending Peregrine’s mission, we are doing our part to preserve the future of cislunar space for all.”

Also Read: U.S. historic moon mission suffers ‘critical’ setback

Peregrine launched toward the moon on January 8 atop a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket, but suffered a critical fuel leak shortly after separating from the booster.

The depletion of fuel has rendered Peregrine incapable of achieving a soft lunar landing next month, as revealed by its manufacturer, Astrobotic. Despite the company’s persistent efforts to prolong the lander’s operational life, the probe’s fate is undeniably limited, dictated by its current trajectory.

While Astrobotic initially said it estimated the spacecraft would run out of propellant, and thus be unable to maintain the proper attitude for its solar panels to generate power, within a couple of days, the spacecraft continues to operate.

“The propellant leak has slowed considerably to a point where it is no longer the teams’ top priority,” Astrobotic said in its Jan. 13 update. The company said in its update that the spacecraft has enough propellant to maintain its attitude and “perform small maneuvers” through the end of the mission.

NASA and Astrobotic have announced their intention to convene a media briefing regarding the January 18 mission.

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