Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft has crashed into the Moon after spinning into an uncontrolled orbit, officials say.
The unmanned craft was due to make a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole, but failed after encountering issues as it moved into its pre-landing orbit.
It was Russia’s first Moon mission in almost 50 years.
The spacecraft was scheduled to land on Monday to explore a part of the Moon which scientists think could hold frozen water and precious elements.
Roskosmos, Russia’s state space corporation, said it lost contact with the Luna-25 shortly after running into difficulties.
So… They were kinda low-key racing India weren’t they? Does this count? Did they win the race? I’m just glad it was unmanned
Not really. That probe was scheduled to go up 10 years ago - with collaboration from India. It’s more a case of India going “F that, we’re doing it ourselves now” - And russia lagging behind so much, they actually got lapped.
India knew is was a clusterfuck from the beginning. They didn’t want to be associated with that junk.
I do find it hard to justify why we give India aid money when they have a space program.
What exactly is hard about it?