Interplanetary Spacecraft Failure Study: Analyzing Trends and Patterns

Abstract

Interplanetary unmanned missions have yielded crucial insights about the solar system through landers and flybys. However, some missions have encountered catastrophic outcomes due to minor technical errors and faults. This paper analyzes these failures in order to compile a comprehensive list of mission failures, covering attempted maneuvers towards comets and planets throughout interplanetary exploration history. The paper provides a concise overview of instances where anomalies occurred and offers explanations for these failures. While certain original failure reports remain undisclosed by space organizations, this research relies on information from official websites and publications. By analyzing the available data, the report aims to enhance understanding of the causes and consequences of these failures, thereby contributing to a safer and more informed approach to interplanetary exploration.