Peregrine Moon Lander Abandons Lunar Landing Mission Amid Uncontrollable Fuel Leak
Propulsion system anomalies hampered Astrobotic’s Peregrine moon lander, launched on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. A propellant leak prevents the lander from orienting itself for solar panel charge, preventing a gentle moon landing. Despite the disaster, the mission crew found a silver lining: Peregrine had 40 hours of fuel, exceeding earlier expectations. Peregrine’s Lunar…