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NASA's lunar rover has gone silent, drifting through space with minimal power. Mission teams are working tirelessly to reestablish contact using ground-based radar and NASA's Deep Space Network. If communication is restored, alternative maneuvers could save the mission and allow the spacecraft to reach lunar orbit.
Efforts to reestablish contact with Lunar Trailblazer
NASA's task force at the California Institute of Technology's IPAC is working to restore contact with the Lunar Trailblazer satellite.
Telemetry data from before the signal was lost last week, along with radar data collected on March 2, indicate that the spacecraft is slowly rotating in a low-power state. If its orientation changes and its solar arrays receive more sunlight, the power level could increase enough to restore communication. The team is closely monitoring for any signal that indicates a change in the spacecraft's state.
Lunar Trailblazer Orientation Tracking
NASA's Deep Space Network provides continuous coverage, and ground-based observatories help scientists assess Lunar Trailblazer's orientation.
Due to these communications issues, the planned trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs) were not performed. These engine operations were designed to fine-tune the spacecraft's trajectory and, along with future adjustments, guide it into its intended science orbit around the Moon. Engineers are currently developing alternative strategies for performing these maneuvers if communications are restored and the spacecraft returns to normal operation. These new approaches could still allow Lunar Trailblazer to reach lunar orbit and achieve some of its science objectives.
NASA is desperately trying to restore contact
“The Lunar Trailblazer team worked around the clock to reestablish communication with the spacecraft,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “NASA sends high-risk, high-reward missions like Lunar Trailblazer to do incredible science at a lower cost, and the team truly embodies NASA’s innovative spirit—if anyone can bring Lunar Trailblazer back, it’s them.”
A high-risk, high-reward mission
Lunar Trailblazer was selected as part of NASA’s SIMPLEx (Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration) program, which allows low-cost science spacecraft to carry out larger, more basic missions. To reduce costs, SIMPLEx missions take on a higher level of risk and operate with fewer oversight and management requirements. This approach allows NASA to pursue bold, innovative mission concepts while expanding its portfolio of targeted science exploration.
