SpaceX's Falcon 9 launcher propelled the Transporter-14 mission on June 23, carrying 70 payloads to low Earth orbit. Among them were two atmospheric reentry capsules, including one from The Exploration Company named Nyx, designed to briefly "transport" funeral ashes in space.
The Nyx capsule completed most of its mission without incident until minutes before its scheduled splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Communications were restored after the critical reentry phase, but an unexpected problem arose shortly after.
Image credit: The Exploration Company
According to The Exploration Company, the capsule experienced an anomaly shortly after communications resumed, leading to loss of contact before landing. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of this incident.
Celestis confirmed that Nyx's parachute system failed, causing the capsule to crash into the ocean.
The Exploration Company remains determined to continue its projects despite this setback. The company emphasizes the importance of lessons learned from this mission for future attempts at space cargo and crew transport.
How does a space capsule's atmospheric reentry work?
Atmospheric reentry is a critical phase where the capsule travels through Earth's atmosphere at high speed. Friction with the air generates intense heat, creating plasma around the capsule that temporarily interrupts communications.
Capsules are equipped with heat shields to withstand these extreme temperatures. These shields are designed to gradually wear away, carrying accumulated heat with them and thus protecting the capsule's interior.
After this phase, the capsule slows down enough to deploy its parachutes and land gently. However, as the Nyx mission shows, this process can sometimes encounter technical problems.
What is a shared launch mission like Transporter-14?
Shared launch missions, or rideshares, allow multiple customers to share the costs of a single launch to send their satellites or payloads into space. This approach makes space access more affordable for small companies and institutions.
SpaceX is one of the main players in this market, with its Transporter missions carrying dozens of satellites and other payloads to low Earth orbit. These missions are scheduled regularly, offering frequent launch opportunities.
This shared launch method is particularly advantageous for small payloads like cubesats that don't require a dedicated launch. It thus fosters innovation and diversification of players in the space sector.