Private US moon lander still working after breaking leg and falling, but not for long
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
Election 2024: Nikki Haley faces a key decision on whether or not to endorse Trump
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Nikki Haley is perhaps the highest-profile Republican in the nation who has re2024-05-22Scientists find 'devastating' coral bleaching in Great Barrier Reef's far north
Bleaching on the reef in 2018. Photo: AFP2024-05-22Sheep are clever and important in many ways. Here are some ovine facts that may surprise you
File photo. Photo: Susan Murray RNZ2024-05-22Bill to Fund US Government Includes Money to Counter China in Pacific
WASHINGTON —U.S. congressional negotiators released a bill Sunday that would fund key parts of the g2024-05-22Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for June delivery fell 26 cents to $79.80 per barrel Monday. Brent crude fo2024-05-22Two bodies recovered as divers search river after ship hit Baltimore bridge
This handout screegrab courtesy of the National Transportation Safety Board shows part of the steel2024-05-22
atest comment