The Odysseus spacecraft, which the USA sent to the Moon 50 years later, is currently lying sideways and is expected to run out of energy soon. It is still transmitting images and data from the Moon. But what will happen when it runs out of energy? Here’s the answer…
Odysseus Spacecraft Tilted During Landing
It was reported that Odysseus, owned by Houston-based Intuitive Machines, tilted during its descent to the lunar surface. Odysseus is expected to remain operational on the Moon for a while longer.
However, communication and power generation are becoming challenging as the panels and antennas are not positioned as expected. Controllers will continue to collect data until they bid farewell to sunlight.
The Odysseus spacecraft produced by Intuitive Machines enabled the United States to land on the lunar surface after a 50-year hiatus.
When Odysseus landed on the lunar surface, limited information was obtained, leading to the announcement of a successful landing. But it seems that the landing has almost not occurred in reality.
Guidance Mechanisms Did Not Work
During a press conference on Friday, it was revealed that the safety keys for two range finder lasers of the landing craft were activated. This means that the guidance mechanisms of the spacecraft did not work during landing.
Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus also confirmed that the only cargo facing downwards was a sculpture consisting of 125 miniature moons designed by artist Jeff Koons.
The camera intended to be launched before landing for recording could not be launched
Issues with Odysseus’s navigation system also prevented the distribution of a camera called EagleCam that was supposed to be launched during landing. The team at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which developed the camera, stated that Intuitive Machines could launch the camera later.
The purpose of this experimental camera was to be launched before the spacecraft landed and record its descent. If it had worked, this camera would have achieved a first on Earth. However, it failed to fulfill its mission.
It’s unfortunate that the spacecraft had an unsuccessful landing. Odysseus is expected to be abandoned on the Moon when its energy runs out. Communication will be completely cut off, and research activities will come to an end when it runs out of energy.
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