On April 13, 2019, a private Japanese moon lander, Beresheet, crashed into the lunar surface during its final descent. The mission was a collaboration between the Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL and Israel Aerospace Industries, with the goal of becoming the first privately funded spacecraft to land on the moon. While the mission ultimately failed, it provided valuable insights into the challenges of space exploration and the importance of thorough testing and preparation.
One of the primary causes of the crash was cited as a software glitch in the spacecraft’s inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU is responsible for measuring the spacecraft’s orientation and velocity, which is crucial for maintaining stability during descent. However, a software error caused the IMU to malfunction, leading to incorrect readings and ultimately causing the spacecraft to lose control and crash.
In addition to the software issue, a last-minute location switch also contributed to the crash. Originally, Beresheet was intended to land in a flat area of the moon’s surface known as Mare Serenitatis. However, due to concerns about potential hazards in that area, the mission was redirected to a different location. This change required additional adjustments to the spacecraft’s trajectory and landing procedures, which may have contributed to the failure.
The crash of Beresheet highlights the importance of thorough testing and preparation in space exploration. Even small errors or oversights can have catastrophic consequences in the harsh environment of space. As private companies and governments alike continue to invest in space exploration, it is crucial that they prioritize safety and reliability in their missions.
Despite the failure of Beresheet, the mission still represented a significant achievement in private space exploration. The spacecraft successfully orbited the moon and transmitted valuable data back to Earth before its crash. Additionally, the mission inspired a new generation of space enthusiasts and demonstrated the potential for private companies to make significant contributions to space exploration.
Moving forward, it is likely that private companies will continue to play an increasingly important role in space exploration. However, it is important that they learn from the lessons of Beresheet and prioritize safety and reliability in their missions. With careful planning and preparation, private companies can help to advance our understanding of the universe and pave the way for future space exploration.
