What happened ?
According to the Russian space agency Roscosmos, the Luna-25 probe hit the lunar ground following an incident during a maneuver prior to its landing. After “an impulse given to form its elliptical pre-moon landing orbit, communication with Luna-25 was interrupted,” explains Roscosmos in a press release. According to the first preliminary results of the investigation, the device “ceased to exist following a collision with the lunar surface”.
What was the purpose of this mission?
Considered “risky” with “a probability of success estimated at around 70%” according to Yuri Borissov, the boss of Roscosmos, Luna-25 was intended to give new impetus to the Russian space sector. Initially scheduled to last a year, the mission consisted of taking and analyzing soil samples.
Why is this crash a blow for Russia?
This failure recalls the problems of Russian industry, weighed down by corruption and the lack of innovation and partnerships. The consequences of the military offensive in Ukraine have only accentuated its problems. This crash also occurs in a context where a new race to the Moon has begun. Outside the United States, China, India and South Korea are displaying great ambitions, as well as several private companies.