Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft has crashed into the Moon after spinning into an uncontrolled orbit, officials say.

The unmanned craft was due to make a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole, but failed after encountering issues as it moved into its pre-landing orbit.

It was Russia’s first Moon mission in almost 50 years.

The spacecraft was scheduled to land on Monday to explore a part of the Moon which scientists think could hold frozen water and precious elements.

Roskosmos, Russia’s state space corporation, said it lost contact with the Luna-25 shortly after running into difficulties.

  • Kokesh@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I’m huge space nerd, but I personally wouldn’t say that loss of space mission is a loss for humanity.

    • bluemellophone@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      If the James Webb had failed to deploy, I would have been fucking pissed. That would have been a massive loss for humanity.

      A random moon probe, not so much. I’m almost happy Russia is denied the good space PR and nationalism bump.