Damaged lunar lander Peregrine set to return to Earth, carrying human remains

"Astrobotic has maneuvered the Peregrine lander into a position that allows for a safe and controlled return to Earth over a remote area of the South Pacific," the company stated in a press release. In the statement, the company further highlighted that its team executed a two-stage maneuver to adjust the spacecraft and modify its anticipated trajectory, ensuring an uncomplicated entry into the atmosphere. Astrobotic and NASA experts continuously monitor the path Peregrine takes.

The lander's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere is expected to occur around 4:00 PM Eastern Time. It's anticipated that the device will burn out in the atmosphere, but there is a risk that remnants might fall onto Earth's surface. In this regard, the company has taken all necessary precautions to ensure this happens over a secluded, uninhabited area. It is noteworthy that remnants of many other space objects, including satellites, are directed over the Pacific, which is considered one of the safest places for deorbiting such devices.

Peregrine Lander was launched into space aboard the United Launch Alliance rocket on January 8th. In collaboration with NASA, this commercial mission aimed to deposit 20 payloads on the Moon. These payloads included NASA instruments and experiments as well as those provided by private enterprises. Among them were payloads from Celestis Elysium Space which, according to Nature, contained the cremated remains of at least 70 individuals and a dog.

However, Astrobotic's ambitious plans were disrupted by a fuel leak detected shortly after takeoff. Notwithstanding this complication, the lander's engine remains operational. Should everything have proceeded as planned, Peregrine would have become the inaugural commercial lunar lander as well as the first American spacecraft to reach the lunar surface since the renowned Apollo 17 mission in 1972.