travel

Private US moon lander still working after breaking leg and falling, but not for long

Font size+Author:Global Grasp news portalSource:travel2024-05-21 15:35:49I want to comment(0)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first private U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon broke a leg at tou

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first private U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon broke a leg at touchdown before falling over, according to company officials who said Wednesday it was on the verge of losing power.

Intuitive Machines, the company that built the lander, released new photos Wednesday, six days after the landing, that showed at least one broken leg on the six-legged spacecraft. The lander came in too fast, skidded and tumbled over as it touched down near the moon’s south pole last Thursday, hampering communications and power. It was supposed to operate for at least a week.

CEO Steve Altemus said the lander, named Odysseus, was still alive and generating solar power but expected to go silent soon. Late Wednesday night, the company said the lander might linger into Thursday.

When the end comes, Altemus said, flight controllers would “tuck Odie in for the cold night of the moon” so in two to three weeks, once lunar night lifts, they can try to regain contact.

Related articles
  • Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal

    Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal

    2024-05-21 13:44

  • Chinese paddlers reign supreme at Durban table tennis worlds

    Chinese paddlers reign supreme at Durban table tennis worlds

    2024-05-21 13:07

  • Messi not planning to play at 2026 World Cup

    Messi not planning to play at 2026 World Cup

    2024-05-21 13:01

  • Messi not planning to play at 2026 World Cup

    Messi not planning to play at 2026 World Cup

    2024-05-21 12:58

Netizen comments