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 in space carrying ashes and human DNA.
Lost 350,000 kilometers away, human ashes drifted into space. Transported on a Vulcan Centaur rocket, The Peregrine Lunar MissionCells and remains of human origin were to land on the moon days after their January 8 departure from Cape Canaveral in Florida, reports Geo.
The mission’s first objective ultimately failed 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 behind the Peregrine Moon Lander just missed out on astrobotic history. It was the first American spacecraft to land on the moon in 50 years. Despite this fuel leak that ends her lunar epic, she is looking for “solutions to extend her lifespan”.
Sending a spacecraft to the moon is not easy. I appreciate @astrobotic’s hard work, resilience and commitment as they navigate the challenges facing their mission. With any breakthrough innovation come rewards and risks. Every lunar effort expands the opportunities for us… https://t.co/zmZD8qj0P1
– Dr. Nicky Fox (@NASAScienceAA) January 11, 2024
And for good reason, on the machine, valuable samples are sent for scientific experiments. In addition to carrying out these tests, the Vulcan Centaur carried symbols: messages from children, human ashes, memorial plaques, works of artists, bitcoins… It was finally the return of human presence on the moon, Jin Parisian.
Why after 50 years?
During the Apollo missions, between 1969 and 1972, only 4% of the Moon’s surface Samples were collected and studied. Many mysteries remain about the formation and geology of the Moon.
If man had to wait five decades before setting foot on the moon again, it’s because he lives Technical and budgetary skills. It costs 277,000 euros per kg to send into orbit around the satellite, 1.1 million to its surface and 4.15 million to the astrobotic rover.
