Odysseus, the first US spacecraft to land on the moon since 1972, neared the end of its fifth day on the lunar surface still operational, but with its battery in its final hours before the vehicle is expected to go dark, according to flight controllers.
Odysseus, the first U.S. spacecraft to land on the moon since 1972, nears the end of its lunar mission, with its battery in its final hours. Despite a challenging landing that left it tilted and hindered communication, the spacecraft has transmitted valuable science data and imagery. An 11th-hour navigational glitch led to the unconventional landing, but human error was identified as a contributing factor. Intuitive Machines, the Texas-based company behind Odysseus, expects the spacecraft to go dark soon, cutting short its planned mission.
Science News: Odysseus, the pioneering US spacecraft, is in its final hours on the moon before its battery dies. Despite compromised operational capabilities, the spacecraft has transmitted valuable scientific data and imagery. Nasa's Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon.
NASA-backed Odysseus spacecraft is near its conclusion today, however, it is still operational despite the fact that the battery is about to die. , Technology & Science News, Times Now
The vehicle is believed to have caught one of its six landing feet on the lunar surface near the end of its final descent and tipped over, coming to rest sideways, propped up on a rock, an analysis of data by flight engineers showed, according to Houston-based Intuitive Machines.