Overview
- The Nyx capsule launched on June 23 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-14 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- In orbit the vehicle powered its 660-pound payload, stabilized itself after separation and reestablished communications following atmospheric reentry.
- Investigators believe a drogue or main parachute failed during descent, causing Nyx to crash into the Pacific Ocean on June 24 and become irretrievable.
- Lost cargo included the ashes and DNA of more than 160 people provided by Celestis and cannabis specimens from the Martian Grow research project.
- The Exploration Company has deemed the flight a partial success and is probing the failure to refine Nyx for future low-Earth orbit missions and a possible 2028 ISS demonstration.