Lunar Setback, Michigan Wins, and Fibonacci Whales

Peregrine Malfunctions

A NASA-funded robotic lunar mission that would have returned the US to the moon's surface for the first time since 1972 appears to be in jeopardy due to a fuel leak that developed shortly after the private spacecraft's successful launch. 

The 202-foot-tall Vulcan Centaur rocket—developed by the United Launch Alliance—blasted off yesterday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, successfully sending the Peregrine moon lander—developed by Astrobotic Technology—on its way (see video; see photos). Roughly seven hours into the flight, Peregrine's propulsion system malfunctioned, depleting the spacecraft's propellant and preventing a solar panel from properly pointing toward the sun. Peregrine was carrying NASA scientific equipment and human remains from two commercial space burial companies. The lander was previously expected to reach the moon's surface Feb. 23. 

Peregrine was the first mission under NASA's 2018 Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative (see overview), which has awarded billions of dollars to private companies to help land their spacecraft on the moon. Houston-based Intuitive Machines is expected to launch its own lander with a SpaceX rocket next month.

Hail to the Victors

Top-ranked Michigan won the College Football Playoff National Championship last night, dropping the No. 2 Washington Huskies by a score of 34-13. The win marks the program's 10th title, its first since splitting with Nebraska in 1997, and its second since 1948. 

The Wolverines pounded the Huskies on the ground in the first and fourth quarters, with running backs Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum both rushing for more than 100 yards and two touchdowns a piece. Star quarterback JJ McCarthy was held to 140 yards passing and no scores, but made key plays when needed down the stretch. McCarthy, who has amassed a 27-1 record as a starter, is projected as a first-round draft pick should he declare for the NFL.

The victory also brought a sense of vindication for coach Jim Harbaugh, who quarterbacked Michigan for three seasons as a player (1984-86). Harbaugh missed six games this season, suspended twice for three games for recruiting infractions and allegations the program broke sign stealing rules.

See photos from the celebration here, along with way-too-early rankings for next season. 

Alaska Airlines Fallout

Plane manufacturer Boeing saw its stock drop 8% yesterday amid fallout from Friday's near-tragic incident outside Portland, Oregon, where a piece of one of its planes flew off midascent, and the cabin depressurized. The incident prompted US officials to temporarily ground and inspect 171 737 Max 9 aircraft—primarily used by United and Alaska Airlines. United reported an inspection yesterday revealed loose bolts in several aircraft.

Investigators have not determined why the unused emergency exit door came off seven minutes into the flight. Regulators said the incident could have been far worse since no one was seated next to the loose exit door, and passengers still wore seatbelts as the plane ascended. The depressurization reportedly sucked out headrests, clothes, and phones—one of which was discovered intact in a field. A teacher outside Portland found the door in his backyard Sunday. 

Boeing is the world's largest plane manufacturer by revenue but has suffered major losses amid a string of quality control issues since 2018, including two fatal crashes of the 737 Max, which killed 346 people over six months.

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