Astrobotic Technology, based in Pittsburgh, was able to point its probe toward the sun so that the solar panel could capture sunlight and charge the battery, while a special team evaluated what was described as a “propulsion failure.”
However, a “massive loss of fuel” was revealed, dampening hopes of the moon landing, scheduled for February 23.
“We are evaluating alternative mission profiles that may be applicable at this time“, the company said in a statement.
The problem was reported about seven hours after liftoff early Monday morning from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
According to the company, a problem with the propulsion system “threatens the spacecraft’s ability to land smoothly on the surface of the moon,” as the probe is equipped with engines and thrusters for maneuvers, during the flight phase, but also for landing.
On Monday night, Astrobotic Technology published an image taken from a camera installed on the probe, which it says shows a “disturbance” in a section of the thermal insulation, in line with what is known so far about the problem..
The company aims to be the first company in the private sector to successfully land on the moon, something that only four countries have achieved. A second launch is scheduled for February from a company in Houston.
NASA, which funded Astrobotic Technology's Peregrine probe with 108 million euros, intends for special probes to explore the site before the astronauts arrive, and it also intends to provide technological and scientific expertise to the space agency, other countries and universities.
Before the flight, NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, Joel Kearns, acknowledged that although it was a cheaper and faster option than public roads, there would be additional risk, but stressed that the agency was willing to accept the risks.
“Every success and every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow,” he said Monday.
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