The second private lunar mission, which was a joint venture between Japanese space company ispace and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has faced a setback as they lost communication with their lander just before landing on the moon. The mission was aimed at landing two lunar rovers, named Rashid and Hakuto-R, on the surface of the moon.
The mission was launched on April 10, 2023, from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. The spacecraft, called Hakuto, was expected to reach the moon on April 25, 2023, and land on a plain called Mare Serenitatis. However, just before the landing, communication with the spacecraft was lost, and the mission controllers were unable to regain contact.
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Reasons for Communication Loss
The exact cause of the communication loss is not yet known. According to ispace, the spacecraft was functioning normally until the communication was lost. The company is investigating the matter and has promised to provide more details as soon as possible.
This is not the first time that ispace has attempted a lunar landing. In 2022, the company's first lunar mission, called "Hakuto-R," also failed to land on the moon. The company attributed the failure to a malfunction in the spacecraft's propulsion system.
Importance of Private Lunar Missions
Private lunar missions, like the one undertaken by ispace and the UAE, are becoming increasingly important in the field of space exploration. They provide an opportunity for private companies to participate in space exploration and conduct scientific research. They also pave the way for future space tourism and commercial activities in space.
The ispace mission was also significant because it aimed to demonstrate the technological capabilities of the UAE in the field of space exploration. The UAE has been investing heavily in space exploration in recent years and has set ambitious goals, including a Mars mission in 2024.
The loss of communication with the ispace spacecraft is a setback for the private space industry. However, it is important to remember that failures are a natural part of the scientific process. The data gathered from the mission, even if it was not successful, can still provide valuable insights into the challenges of lunar exploration and help to improve future missions.
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