Astronautic, a Pittsburgh-based lunar lander company, faced a tumultuous year in 2023 after its first spacecraft, Peregrine, experienced propellant leaks just hours after launch. The incident forced the team to return to Earth’s atmosphere, burning up the spacecraft. This setback raised concerns about the company’s readiness for its next mission, Griffin, which was set to deliver NASA’s VIPER robotic rover to the Moon’s south pole in 2025.
However, after a significant cost increase and uncertainty surrounding Griffin’s capabilities, NASA canceled the mission in September. The loss of funding left Griffin without a payload, casting doubt on the company’s ability to revive its lunar ambitions.
CEO John Thornton acknowledged the challenges his team faced, citing Peregrine’s propellant leak as an unexpected setback. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that Astrobotic could find alternative uses for the Griffin spacecraft. To achieve this, the company reached out to the lunar industry to gauge interest in a commercial ride-sharing service, aiming to build a sustainable ecosystem on the Moon.
By partnering with private clients and exploring new payloads, Astrobotic seeks to redefine its mission and create opportunities in the growing lunar economy. While the road ahead remains uncertain, Thornton believes that his team’s resilience and adaptability will pave the way for a successful revival of Griffin’s capabilities.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/02/after-a-wrenching-decision-by-nasa-private-lunar-lander-finds-a-new-customer