Daily Current Affairs : 10-January-2024

The recent initiation of the Peregrine Mission One marked a significant milestone in the United States’ renewed interest in lunar exploration. However, this ambitious endeavor faced a notable setback when the spacecraft developed a critical fuel leak shortly after launch. This mission, a collaborative effort between private entities Astrobotic Technology and United Launch Alliance, underscores the increasing role of the private sector in space exploration.

Relevance in Science and Technology

The Peregrine Mission One is of particular significance in the realm of Science and Technology, falling under the umbrella of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. This initiative reflects a broader shift towards leveraging the capabilities of private companies for advancing scientific goals beyond Earth.

Key Highlights of Peregrine Mission One

Lunar Landing: The Peregrine Lander, a crucial component of the mission, is poised to become one of the first American spacecraft to land on the Moon since the Apollo program.

Astrobotic Technology: Crafted by Astrobotic Technology, the Peregrine Lunar Lander showcases the prowess of private space entities in contributing to NASA’s exploration objectives.

NASA Collaboration: The mission is part of NASA’s CLPS initiative, fostering collaboration with various American companies to transport science and technology payloads to the lunar surface. This not only facilitates lunar exploration but also nurtures a burgeoning lunar economy.

Mission Objective: Set to land in the Sinus Viscositatis region, Peregrine Mission One aims to contribute significantly to lunar exploration, experimentation, and technology demonstrations, laying the groundwork for future human missions.

Artemis Preparation: The Peregrine Mission One plays a pivotal role in preparing for NASA’s Artemis program, slated to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024 and subsequently extend missions to Mars.

Artemis Vision: The broader vision of the Artemis program includes establishing an Artemis Base Camp on the lunar surface and a strategic Gateway in lunar orbit. This strategic plan aligns with the ultimate goal of advancing human space exploration.

Important Points:
  • Peregrine Mission One Overview:
    • Recent lunar exploration initiative by the United States.
    • Led by private entities Astrobotic Technology and United Launch Alliance.
    • Encountered a critical fuel leak post-launch.
  • Relevance in Science and Technology:
    • Falls under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
    • Highlights a growing reliance on private sector capabilities for space exploration.
  • Key Highlights of Peregrine Mission One:
    • Lunar Landing:
      • Peregrine Lander aims to be among the first American spacecraft to land on the Moon since Apollo.
    • Astrobotic Technology:
      • Crafted by Astrobotic Technology, showcasing private space entities’ contributions to NASA.
    • NASA Collaboration:
      • Part of NASA’s CLPS initiative, fostering collaboration with American companies.
      • Aims to transport science and technology payloads to the lunar surface.
  • Mission Objectives:
    • Aims to land in the Sinus Viscositatis region on the Moon.
    • Contributes to lunar exploration, experimentation, and technology demonstrations.
    • Prepares for future human missions.
  • Artemis Program Connection:
    • Plays a pivotal role in preparing for NASA’s Artemis program.
    • Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024 and extend missions to Mars.
  • Artemis Vision:
    • Artemis program includes plans for an Artemis Base Camp on the lunar surface.
    • Strategic Gateway in lunar orbit is part of the broader vision for advancing human space exploration.
Why In News

The United States initiated the Peregrine Mission One, its initial Moon landing endeavor in over five decades. However, the mission encountered a significant setback as the spacecraft developed a critical fuel leak shortly after launch. Despite this setback, the collaborative efforts led by private space entities Astrobotic Technology and United Launch Alliance underscore the evolving landscape of space exploration, highlighting a growing reliance on private sector capabilities to overcome challenges in the pursuit of lunar exploration.

MCQs about Peregrine Mission One

  1. What is the primary setback encountered by Peregrine Mission One?
    A. Technical malfunction
    B. Lack of funding
    C. Critical fuel leak
    D. Communication failure
    Correct Answer: C. Critical fuel leak
    Explanation: Peregrine Mission One faced a significant setback due to a critical fuel leak shortly after launch, as mentioned in the essay.
  2. What role does the Peregrine Lander play in the mission?
    A. Orbital research
    B. Lunar landing
    C. Communication hub
    D. Mars exploration
    Correct Answer: B. Lunar landing
    Explanation: The Peregrine Lander is designed to be among the first American spacecraft to land on the Moon since the Apollo program.
  3. Which program does Peregrine Mission One fall under, emphasizing private sector contributions?
    A. Apollo Program
    B. International Space Station (ISS)
    C. Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
    D. Mars Rover Mission
    Correct Answer: C. Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
    Explanation: Peregrine Mission One falls under NASA’s CLPS program, highlighting collaboration with private entities.
  4. What is the broader vision of NASA’s Artemis program?
    A. Establishing a lunar base camp
    B. Mars colonization
    C. Interplanetary travel
    D. Space tourism
    Correct Answer: A. Establishing a lunar base camp
    Explanation: The Artemis program includes plans for an Artemis Base Camp on the lunar surface.

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