#Astrobotic#Peregrine update 4 "Unfortunately, it appears the failure within the propulsion system is causing a critical loss of #propellant ⛽. The team is working to try and stabilize this loss, but given the situation, we have prioritized maximizing the #science and data we can capture. We are currently assessing what alternative mission profiles may be feasible at this time." https://www.astrobotic.com/update-4-for-peregrine-mission-one/
@spaceflight
I feel this is one of those debates where it will be found out in rather short order that my initial elegant proposal is actually utter nonsense.
@spaceflight
Next time maybe let me off the hook more like
Terrific idea old boy but the orbital mathematicians have already run the numbers and it would take a bloody miracle. Do us a favour and stay by the phone in case we need your help, alright? Ta!
@spaceflight
But that can quickly degenerate into asking in such a way as to shine a very sharp light through the gaping holes in someone's original theory... See exhibit A above!
@DenOfEarth you just asked the wrong question. Instead of "how could we save as much as possible", you proposed one of the options (which isn't feasible). Which doesn't mean the intention shouldn't be discussed. Such as "refueling in Earth or in Moon orbit possible" ?
@anson it wouldn't pollute the atmosphere and probably create a nice new crater, but what else would it achieve to make it "much" better ? To reach the intended destination (just not in one piece) ?
@spaceflight Modern commercial landers are doing a lot of things that haven’t been done before. Even a far from nominal deorbit leading to an impact with the moon could greatly benefit future missions.
I also think team morale would be much higher if the mission failed at the Moon.
Astrobotics has a lot in the pipeline. Any new information or momentum is valuable.
#Astrobotic#Peregrine update 17 While we believe it is possible for the #spacecraft to operate for several more weeks and could potentially have raised the orbit to miss the Earth, we must take into consideration the anomalous state of the propulsion system and utilize the vehicle’s onboard capability to end the mission responsibly and safely.
Peregrine will soon return and burn up 🔥 in Earth’s #atmosphere. https://www.astrobotic.com/update-17-for-peregrine-mission-one/
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