Peregrine-1 Mission Failure Sparks Debate on NASA's Outsourcing Strategy

Despite the setback, experts urge continuation of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, with upcoming missions by Intuitive Machines.

Peregrine-1, the first commercial lunar lander developed by Astrobotic under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, has suffered a catastrophic propellant leak, ending its mission.
The failure of Peregrine-1, which was carrying 21 diverse payloads, has sparked debate about NASA's practice of working with private companies.
Despite the setback, experts believe it is important for NASA to continue with the CLPS program, which aims to set up commercial delivery services to the Moon.
Intuitive Machines, another company working under NASA's CLPS program, plans to launch at least two missions to the Moon later this year.
NASA's CLPS program is designed to distribute risks and costs among many landers and missions, providing a cheaper, more efficient way to bring scientific payloads to space.