Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft has crashed into the Moon after spinning into an uncontrolled orbit, officials say.
The unmanned craft was due to make a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole, but failed after encountering issues as it moved into its pre-landing orbit.
It was Russia’s first Moon mission in almost 50 years.
The spacecraft was scheduled to land on Monday to explore a part of the Moon which scientists think could hold frozen water and precious elements.
Roskosmos, Russia’s state space corporation, said it lost contact with the Luna-25 shortly after running into difficulties.
I’m huge space nerd, but I personally wouldn’t say that loss of space mission is a loss for humanity.
If the James Webb had failed to deploy, I would have been fucking pissed. That would have been a massive loss for humanity.
A random moon probe, not so much. I’m almost happy Russia is denied the good space PR and nationalism bump.