PHOTO: REUTERSTwo US setbacks this week in the race to the moon with China illustrate the risks of NASA's plans to bet on a new strategy of relying heavily on private companies. Before humans arrive, each space power plans to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface. Although the lander won't make it to the surface intact, three other private moon missions sponsored by NASA, including a second Astrobotic attempt, are planned for this year. US moon lander startup Intuitive Machines is next up in the private sector's bid to reach the moon, and has spent about $100 million on the mission, the company's CEO Steve Altemus told Reuters last year. "We had to build an entire lunar program, not just a lander.

Source: The Express Tribune January 14, 2024 17:38 UTC