Peregrine Mission-1: Lander carries DNA of former US presidents and Star Trek icons on moon
lunar lander close to human remains and a marketing activity by a manufacturer of sports drinks. Since the landing of Apollo 17 in the year 1972, Peregrine Mission – 1 is the first US spacecraft to land on the surface of the moon, taking off at 7:18 am UK time.
Astrobotic, the American company is controlling the robotic lander of a garden shed's size. The start-up has been paid $108m for getting the five scientific instruments that will be carried to the moon. The cost stands at a fraction of the cost for the launch of its mission.
What is the lander carrying?
The lander carries with it the DNA of the well-known former US presidents which include that of John F Kennedy and the Star Trek icons.
The remains on board include those of Gene Roddenberry, the Star Trek creator, and his son and wife. It also includes James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, and DeForest Kelley, who played Montgomery Scott, Nyota Uhura, and Dr. Leonard McCoy.
The DNA of former US presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John F Kennedy, and George Washington have also been transported.
Partially the reason behind the revival of inquisitiveness towards lunar missions is water's discovery on the moon. This water could be used for the hydration of the astronauts along with being oxygen's source and fuel, securing future trips from storing their stocks.
The moon could be providing a stopover for missions to Mars or even further. The mission is facing budget constraints and for reducing costs, Peregrine launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on the Vulcan Centaur rocket's first test flight.
When is the landing scheduled for?
The landing of the Peregrine Mission has been scheduled for 23rd February. Earlier
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