LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The lunar lander developed by American private company Astrobotic Technology, dubbed Peregrine, has completed its controlled re-entry to Earth over open water in the South Pacific, the company confirmed on Friday.
The lander blasted off on United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket from Florida on Jan. 8. Shortly after separating from the spacecraft, Peregrine experienced a propulsion issue.
The propulsion issue ultimately prevented the lander from softly landing on the moon.
As expected, Astrobotic lost telemetry with the Peregrine spacecraft at around 3:50 p.m. Thursday Eastern Time, according to the company.
"While this indicates the vehicle completed its controlled re-entry over open water in the South Pacific at 4:04 p.m., we await independent confirmation from government entities," said the company in a release.
The company earlier revealed the plan of Peregrine's re-entering Earth's atmosphere and burning up. It would be the best approach to safely and responsibly conclude the mission.
The mission was planned to be the first time an American company sent a spacecraft to the moon, and the first time the United States returned to the lunar surface in more than 50 years.
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
Call for schools soft drink ban renewed after government implements cellphone ban
EDITORIAL: Sustained wage hike trend also vital for smaller companies
Oscars 2024: Barbie's Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie miss key nominations
Revealed: Brit tourist, 19, subjected to sex attack in Majorca 'was gang
Japan unexpectedly slips into a recession
Call for schools soft drink ban renewed after government implements cellphone ban
Taylor Swift's father Scott Swift allegedly punched Sydney paparazzo in face
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Judge declines to delay Trump hush money trial over publicity complaints
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Hope new research will help get answers for those with rare disorders