Two spacecraft, launched as rideshare payloads on Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, are facing communication challenges that could endanger their missions.
The Lunar Trailblazer, a NASA spacecraft managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Odin, a satellite from AstroForge aiming for an asteroid flyby, have both run into issues that are being addressed by their teams.
Odin, which weighs 120 kg (265 lb), was the first of the three rideshare payloads to separate from the Falcon 9 rocket, approximately 47 minutes after liftoff on February 26.
Before the launch, AstroForge streamed live updates from their mission control, sharing trajectory and signal data. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency in an industry often criticized for secrecy.
Short recap on the status of the mission before we started our complex operations tonight. We have already learned a massive amount from this mission, and tonight, we get the chance to learn a little more. pic.twitter.com/HmQVd9RXuP
— AstroForge (@astroforge) February 28, 2025
AstroForge’s CEO, Matt Gialich, provided an update during the live stream, indicating that they managed to establish intermittent communication with Odin. This means the spacecraft is likely functioning, but its positioning is still a concern.
Gialich outlined two scenarios: either their ground communication issues are causing the problems, or the spacecraft is tumbling uncontrollably in space.
While he believes the first option is more likely, several ground communication issues arose after launch. Some ground stations had technical errors that delayed contact with Odin for almost an hour, and one station faced interference from nearby equipment.
The team is planning to send a command to activate Odin’s power amplifier on its next pass to India. They aim to steer the spacecraft towards its target asteroid, designated “2022 OB5,” within the next week, although tracking challenges remain due to its distance from Earth.
This is AstroForge’s second mission and their first attempt at an asteroid flyby. They believe that asteroids like 2022 OB5 are rich in valuable metals, essential for future mining ventures. Gialich noted the immense market for platinum-group metals, which could be key to their company’s success.
Meanwhile, NASA is also facing challenges with the Lunar Trailblazer. After separation, they briefly established communication but then lost contact less than 12 hours later.
NASA reported that the spacecraft is experiencing intermittent power issues, which have made it difficult to maintain a stable connection. Engineers continue to work with ground stations to regain command and telemetry.
The Lunar Trailblazer, weighing about 200 kg (440 lb) and built by Lockheed Martin, aims to map water on the Moon’s surface. This mission was part of NASA’s Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) program, designed for lower-cost, experimental spacecraft.
Originally set to launch with another mission, Lunar Trailblazer’s timeline was adjusted to fly with IM-2, emphasizing the program’s flexibility in responding to new opportunities.
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