Luna 25:Roscosmos claimed it wished to “ensure Russia’s guaranteed access to the moon’s surface” and show that Russia “is a state capable of delivering something to the moon.
Luna 25-Russian spacecraft CRASHED WHAT WENT WRONG ?
Russian space agency Roscosmos said on August 20 that the Luna-25 spacecraft had collided with the Moon after spinning out of control.
Mission of the Robotic Spacecraft: To make history as the first to land on the Moon’s southernmost point, potentially rich in frozen water and precious materials. The planned touchdown date was August 21.
However, Roscosmos reported losing contact with Luna-25 on August 19 due to encountered issues, describing it as an ‘abnormal situation’. According to the agency, the spacecraft unexpectedly deviated from its orbit and unfortunately collided with the lunar surface.
In addition to Luna 25, India’s Chandrayaan-3, which was launched on July 14, aims to touch down near the south pole. Its powered descent is expected to begin at 5.45 pm IST on August 23
In addition to Luna 25, India’s Chandrayaan-3, which was launched on July 14, aims to touch down near the south pole. On August 23, at 5.45 IST, it is expected to begin its powered fall.
Since joining the Soviet Union in 1976, Russia had not conducted a lunar mission. The only three countries to complete successful moon landings are the Soviet Union, the United States, and China.
Scientists are particularly interested in the lunar south pole because they think the continuously shadow polar craters may have frozen water in the rocks that future astronauts could use to make air and rocket fuel.
Back in 2019, a previous Indian attempt to touch down at the Moon’s south pole ended in failure as their spacecraft crashed on the lunar surface.
Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, aims to demonstrate the nation’s capability in lunar payload delivery and secure consistent access to the Moon’s surface. However, Russia’s space ambitions have been hindered by sanctions linked to its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, impacting its access to Western technology.
Originally planned to carry a moon rover, the Luna-25 spacecraft underwent alterations to enhance reliability by reducing its weight, foregoing the rover concept.
Launched on August 10 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East, this spaceport is a personal initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a crucial element in his drive to establish Russia as a formidable space power.
