The private space technology company is planning to soften the malfunctioning vessel’s crash
The compromised space vessel originally intended to place the ashes of “Star Trek” cast members on the surface of the moon is being prepared for a controlled crash back to Earth.
Astrobotic, the private space robotics company hired by Celestis and NASA to assist in the operation, released an update on the planned crash in the Pacific Ocean.
“Astrobotic has positioned the Peregrine spacecraft for a safe, controlled re-entry to Earth over a remote area of the South Pacific,” the company wrote in an update on its website. ”The team has been continuously monitoring our re-entry analysis with NASA, which indicates a re-entry path over the indicated area below, with no anticipated hazards.
“A safe re-entry is our top priority, so the team developed a two-step maneuver to move the spacecraft and change its projected trajectory. ”
In an update Tuesday at noon, Astrobotic Technology said the solar batteries on its Peregrine lunar lander are at full charge, but the spacecraft carrying the lander will run out of fuel in approximately 40 hours.
“Given the propellant leak, there is, unfortunately, no chance of a soft landing on the Moon,” Astrobotic said in a statement.
