A lunar lander from a U.S. company is expected to disintegrate in the Earth’s atmosphere following an unsuccessful attempt to reach the moon.

Astrobotic Technology has announced that their lander is currently on its way back to Earth from the area near the moon. The company foresees that the mission will be completed by Thursday. They are collaborating with NASA to monitor the lander’s trajectory and have assured that there will be no safety concerns during its intense return to Earth.

Peregrine, the lander, was launched from Cape Canaveral on Monday but encountered a fuel leak which resulted in Astrobotic’s decision to cancel the first U.S. lunar landing attempt in over 50 years. The company believes that a stuck valve may have caused a tank to rupture.

Astrobotic has sought guidance from NASA and other government representatives on the most effective way to conclude their mission. The company is committed to avoiding any harm to satellites in Earth’s orbit and preventing any potential hazards for upcoming spacecraft heading to the moon.

The company stated in an online update on Sunday night that it was a challenging choice. They are taking responsibility by concluding Peregrine’s mission in order to contribute to the preservation of space exploration.

The space agency, NASA, spent over $100 million to conduct experiments on the Peregrine lander. This is in line with their efforts to involve private companies in delivering supplies to the moon, as the government focuses on returning astronauts to the lunar surface.

The spacecraft also transported a robotic vehicle from Carnegie Mellon University and various privately funded experiments, along with the remains and genetic material of approximately 70 individuals, such as the creator of “Star Trek” Gene Roddenberry and science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke.

Next in line is Intuitive Machines, a U.S. company, with its own lunar lander scheduled for launch next month.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides assistance to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is responsible for all content.

Source: wral.com