Mars spacecraft lost moments before touchdown
Wednesday was to mark the landing of Mars probe, Schiaparelli, but the spacecraft was lost moments before touchdown, reports the BBC.
Scientists are now searching for answers as to what went wrong, but say the approach was on a track towards success until the final moments.
Based on information gathered thus far, it appears the parachute opened ahead of schedule and the thrusters intended to assure a soft and safe landing cut out earlier than planned.
All communication with Schiaparelli, part of the joint European and Russian ExoMars 2016 mission, was lost roughly 50 seconds before its anticipated arrival on the Martian surface, notes CNN.
The primary goal of the probe undertaking was to test landing capabilities in advance of a planned 2020 rover mission.
The Wall Street Journal reports that at this time, it is unclear how the loss of Schiaparelli will affect that endeavor.
See photos of the planet:
