What mechanical issue occurred during the Luna 25 braking maneuver?
Answer
The probe’s engine fired for an unexpectedly long duration
The failure of Luna 25 stemmed from a critical error during the powered descent phase, specifically the braking maneuver designed to slow the spacecraft for a gentle touchdown. Reports indicate that the necessary adjustment to slow the craft was missed, and instead, the probe’s engine continued to fire for a duration significantly longer than programmed. This extended thrust propelled the spacecraft off its planned trajectory and into an unstable orbit, ultimately resulting in it crashing onto the lunar surface rather than settling softly.
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