Context:
The United States initiated the Peregrine Mission One, its initial Moon landing endeavor in over five decades. However, the mission encountered a significant setback as the spacecraft developed a critical fuel leak shortly after launch. Led by private space entities Astrobotic Technology and United Launch Alliance, this collaborative mission reflects a growing reliance on private sector capabilities for space exploration.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Key Highlights of Peregrine Mission One:
- Lunar Landing: The Peregrine Lander, also known as Peregrine Mission One, is anticipated to be among the first American spacecraft to land on the Moon post the Apollo program.
- Astrobotic Technology: Built by Astrobotic Technology, the Peregrine Lunar Lander is a significant component of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
- NASA Collaboration: As part of NASA’s CLPS initiative, the mission collaborates with various American companies to transport science and technology payloads to the lunar surface, fostering a broader lunar economy.
- Mission Objective: The mission aims to land on the Moon in the Sinus Viscositatis region, contributing to lunar exploration, experimentation, and technology demonstrations in preparation for upcoming human missions.
- Artemis Preparation: Peregrine Mission One plays a role in preparing for NASA’s Artemis program, which strives to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024 and subsequently conduct missions to Mars.
- Artemis Vision: The Artemis program includes plans for an Artemis Base Camp on the lunar surface and a strategic Gateway in lunar orbit, with the ultimate goal of advancing human space exploration.
-Source: The Hindu
