NASA has extended recovery efforts for its Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft to mid-July but warns that if contact remains lost, the mission could end. Following the spacecraft's launch on February 26, communication was lost due to power system issues. The spacecraft likely entered a low-power state with incorrectly oriented solar panels. Efforts to regain contact continue, and if successful, it may still complete its lunar objectives. However, as it moves further away from Earth, communication becomes weaker and may hinder control.
NASA has extended recovery efforts for its stricken Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft to mid-July, warning that if the probe remains silent, the mission could end.
Contact with the spacecraft was lost the day after its launch on February 26, after telemetry indicated power system issues.
The spacecraft is believed to have entered a low-power state with solar panels incorrectly oriented, generating insufficient power to charge its batteries.
If control is regained, the instruments are functional, and the propulsion system isn't frozen, the Lunar Trailblazer might still achieve its lunar science objectives.
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