TLDR · SCIENCE & FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY

THE ODYSSEUS LUNAR LANDER IS ON ITS SIDE AND WILL LIKELY RUN OUT OF ENERGY SOON

theverge.com2 min read

Summary from the TLDR newsletter

The Odysseus lander will likely stop operating today as its panels and antennas aren't oriented exactly as planned, making it difficult to generate power and communicate. The lander almost failed its landing due to issues with its range finder lasers, but a last-minute software patch allowed engineers to use one of NASA's experimental LIDAR systems to retrieve the required data to ensure its safe landing. Despite this, Odysseus landed on its side. The only cargo on the side facing down is a piece of art sent by a commercial customer.