The ExoMars Schiaparelli lander, which was slated to touch down on Mars on Wednesday, crashed on the planet after its thrusters shut off prematurely, the European Space Agency confirmed Friday. And because Schiaparelli still had fuel left in its tank, the craft may have exploded on impact. Data from the orbiter is being analyzed to understand why the lander failed to achieve a soft landing. The agency still doesn’t know why the thrusters shut off prematurely. Determined to put a positive spin on things, ESA officials have repeatedly emphasized that Schiaparelli was designed as a test lander.

Source: National Post October 21, 2016 18:45 UTC