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.

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[–] Agamemnon 13 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Not really a race (media just likes to frame it that way)

Main goal is prospecting for potential base locations, because the poles have the best chances of finding easily accessible water ice.

And yeah, prestige too, because landing from polar orbit is more difficult.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago

Holy shit - somehow I had either missed or forgotten that they found ice on the moon.

That explains it, thanks!!

[–] JimmyMcGill 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Why is it harder to land in the poles? I’m not doubting you, just curious

[–] Agamemnon 16 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Mainly, because the poles are always just barely within line of sight to Earth (and thus line of communications) if at all. So the probe has to either operate autonomously or you have to maintain coms via a relay satellite. Either isn't exactly easy with hardware that must also be radiation-hardened and lightweight. Initiating the deorbit burn should (I am guessing this) be done from the backside or you'll run into even more problems when you overshoot the landing site.

[–] JimmyMcGill 5 points 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing. That all makes sense.