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"I think we all know that hope is fading.’ Private Odin asteroid probe is tumbling in space"
Hope is Fading: Private Odin Asteroid Probe is Tumbling in Space
The world is holding its breath as the private spacecraft, Odin, built by AstroForge, is slowly tumbling in space, with its fate hanging precariously in the balance. The 265-pound (120 kilograms) probe was designed to visit the small asteroid 2022 OB5, but since its launch on February 26, 2023, things have taken a turn for the worse.
From Liftoff to Disappointment
After a successful launch atop a SpaceX rocket, the Odin spacecraft was expected to close in on the small asteroid, but things started to go awry just a few hours later. The last contact with the probe was made 20 hours after liftoff, leaving AstroForge’s mission team with a sense of uncertainty and frustration.
Telemetry Loss: A Major Challenge
According to AstroForge founder Matt Gialich, the company experienced significant challenges with ground stations designed to keep communication lines open with Odin after launch. "We missed our early ground stations, and that really hurt our ability to fix any potential problems we had," Gialich noted.
Tumbling in Space, But Not Giving Up
The Odin spacecraft, designed to last just 2.5 hours on its internal battery, had received its last contact from the probe 20 hours after liftoff, boosting confidence that the spacecraft was still powered up. However, the probe is now tumbling in space, with Gialich describing the situation as "a really, really low speed tumble."
AstroForge’s Resolve
Despite the challenges, AstroForge remains committed to its Vestri asteroid landing mission, which is due to take place in the near future. Gialich stressed that the company is determined to learn from the Odin experience and will roll its findings into the next mission.
Next Steps: A Critical Weekend
AstroForge’s mission team is working tirelessly to recover the probe, with a plan in place for the weekend. While options may be limited, Gialich remains optimistic, stating that "we may still be able to recover the vehicle if one of our theories is correct."
The Goal: Mining Asteroids for Resources
Founded by Gialich in 2022, AstroForge aims to mine the vast resources from asteroids for use on Earth and in space. The Odin mission is a scouting effort to fly by asteroid 2022 OB5, recording images and data that will set the stage for a landing by AstroForge’s next mission, called Vestri.
Conclusion: Hope Fades, Yet Pride Remains
As the Odin mission continues to unravel, the phrase "I think we all know that hope is fading. Private Odin asteroid probe is tumbling in space" echoes through the minds of space enthusiasts and scientists worldwide. While the outcome looks uncertain, AstroForge’s determination to learn from its mistakes and push forward with its asteroid mining ambitions has left many believing that even in the face of adversity, humanity can find a way to persevere.
What You Need to Know:
- Odin, the private spacecraft built by AstroForge, is tumbling in space after launch.
- The spacecraft was designed to visit the small asteroid 2022 OB5, but the mission has hit a snag.
- AstroForge’s mission team is working to recover the probe, with a plan in place for the weekend.
- The company remains committed to its Vestri asteroid landing mission, which is scheduled for the near future.
- The goal is to mine asteroids for resources, with AstroForge aiming to lead the charge.
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