First Private Spacecraft Aims for Moon’s Beyond But Faces Major Challenges

AstroForge’s Odin spacecraft is heading to deep space but is facing some unexpected challenges. The mission team is trying to reconnect with the probe as they sort out the issues.

The 265-pound (120 kg) craft launched on February 26, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It rode alongside the Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander, which is bound for the moon. Odin’s main goal is to capture images of asteroid 2022 OB5, setting the stage for a future mission named Vestri, which aims to land on that asteroid. AstroForge’s ultimate vision is to tap into space resources for use on Earth.

Initially, things looked positive. AstroForge shared a snapshot of Odin successfully separated from the rocket’s upper stage. However, the team quickly realized they still needed to gather more information about how Odin was operating.

Matthew Gialich, the co-founder and CEO of AstroForge, explained in a video update that the team is still trying to gauge the spacecraft’s condition. Odin is believed to be in a “sun safe mode,” which is a safe state to ensure it doesn’t overheat and can generate power effectively.

Though the team is confident Odin is in a good power state, they haven’t received any telemetry data to confirm this. Gialich expressed hope that they would be able to get information soon. “Odin is where we expected it to be, which allows for some tracking using high-gain antennas,” he added.

The team is considering two possible reasons for the communication issues. One possibility is that the spacecraft is functioning well, but something might be wrong with AstroForge’s ground setup. The other concern is that Odin could be in a slow, uncontrolled spin. However, the team has indications that this is unlikely.

To solve the communication problem, the next step involves sending a command to turn on a power amplifier. This switch will help Odin send a strong signal back to Earth, which is crucial for gathering data about its status.

AstroForge is providing updates through a livestream as the mission continues. Gialich optimistically stated, “In about two days, we’ll be on the other side of the moon, moving further into deep space. Unless something unexpected happens, we’re on track.”