A moon landing mission by a US company has encountered setback due to a ‘critical’ fuel leak

The United States’ first attempt to land on the moon in over half a century faced a critical setback when a spacecraft developed a serious fuel leak shortly after its launch on Monday. The spacecraft, operated by Astrobotic Technology based in Pittsburgh, encountered propulsion system failure leading to a significant fuel loss, jeopardizing its scheduled moon landing on February 23.

Despite efforts to reorient the lander towards the sun for solar charging, the ongoing fuel leak suggested dim prospects for the mission. The issue surfaced approximately seven hours post-launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where the Vulcan rocket of United Launch Alliance had carried the Peregrine lander into space.

The malfunction in the propulsion system critically impacted the lander’s ability to perform a soft lunar landing. Astrobotic released an image indicating a disturbance in the lander’s thermal insulation, aligning with the identified problem. The company was poised to be the first private entity to land on the moon, a feat previously achieved only by four countries.

Astrobotic’s endeavor was part of NASA’s initiative to employ private companies for lunar landings, with a contract worth $108 million for the Peregrine lander. Despite potential risks acknowledged by NASA, the agency emphasized learning from both successes and setbacks.

The Vulcan rocket’s test flight was a highlight, marking an evolution from United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket. However, the lander’s propulsion issue prevented proper solar alignment, casting doubt on the mission’s success.

Historically, moon landings have been a mix of triumphs and failures, with the last US moon landing occurring in 1972. The upcoming Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the moon’s surface soon.

Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander carried a diverse cargo, including a piece of Mount Everest, toy cars, and remains of space enthusiasts like Gene Roddenberry. Despite controversy over carrying human remains, the mission proceeded.

In summary, the ambitious mission by Astrobotic Technology to land on the moon faced a significant hurdle due to a critical fuel leak in its propulsion system, threatening the success of the first US moon landing in over 50 years.