
NASA Is Still Trying to Squeeze Some Life From Doomed Lunar Orbiter
While Lunar Trailblazer’s mission is no longer possible, the space agency is assessing other options for the spacecraft.
For nearly two weeks, NASA has been attempting to reestablish contact with its doomed lunar orbiter, Lunar Trailblazer. Despite being declared dead, the agency remains hopeful that they may be able to revive the spacecraft and salvage some data or even functionality from it.
The mission was initially intended to study the Moon’s surface in unprecedented detail, but things took a drastic turn when communication ceased. The agency has been trying to reestablish contact ever since, with mixed results.
According to sources within NASA, engineers have been working tirelessly to try and coax the spacecraft back into service. This includes attempting to power up its systems and even searching for any remaining functionality that could be used in future missions.
While it’s unclear whether this effort will prove successful or not, NASA officials are staying optimistic about the prospect of salvaging some data from Lunar Trailblazer.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/nasa-is-still-trying-to-squeeze-some-life-from-doomed-lunar-orbiter-2000575805