The Lunar Trailblazer, a NASA spacecraft launched on February 26 at the Kennedy Space Center, has ceased operations due to an unresponsive radio system. Despite efforts by NASA and international partners, the mission team was unable to reestablish contact with the spacecraft.
Data suggests that solar panels malfunctioned during launch, causing batteries to drain rapidly. With no functioning communication system, the spacecraft’s navigation and control were compromised. Initial hopes that it would receive enough sunlight at some point to activate its radio were shattered when five months of drifting passed without a signal.
NASA has terminated the Lunar Trailblazer mission, citing the inability to sustain operations. Associate Administrator Nicky Fox acknowledged the setback, saying it provided valuable experience for future missions, including those focused on human presence on the Moon. The team’s dedication and commitment were praised, despite the disappointing outcome.
Source: https://hothardware.com/news/nasa-somber-update-lunar-trailblazer-moon-orbiter