Israel's first privately funded mission to the Moon crashed on the lunar surface just minutes before touchdown after the apparent failure of its main engine.
Details:
- The aim of the spacecraft, called Beresheet, was to take pictures and conduct experiments.
- The spacecraft had several technical problems during its final descent to the Moon's surface.
- Its soft landing was unsuccessful after it lost communication with its ground control.
- But a spokesperson from the Israel Aerospace Industries said that "It is by far the smallest, cheapest spacecraft ever to get to the Moon".
About Beresheet:
- Beresheet, which means Genesis, was about the size of a washing machine and built by non-profit SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries.
- For the last two months, it travelled around the Earth several times before entering lunar orbit.
- The spacecraft crashed near the historic Apollo landing sites.
- The Beresheet project cost Israel about $100 million (nearly Rs 691 crore).
Question:
Q. What is the name of the Israeli spacecraft that though reached the Moon but unfortunately crashed on the lunar surface? a. Moonsheet
b. Beresheet
c. Lunarsheet
d. Spacesheet
