The United States’ first attempt to land on the Moon again in 50+ years is now in jeopardy, as a private company that launched its lander on Monday now says it’s encountered an engine issue, according to The Associated Press.
Astrobotic Technology successfully launched its lunar lander Peregrine on Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. However, just a few hours later, the company now says a propulsion issue is forcing the ship to reorient its solar panels to point toward the sun to gather more power.
Update #2 on Peregrine Mission One: pic.twitter.com/hS5QsAihh4
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 8, 2024
Astrobotic said a propulsion issue could threaten the spacecraft’s ability to have a successful “soft” landing on the Moon when it’s scheduled to touch down on February 23. This is an uncrewed ship controlled remotely.