Astrobotic Technology reportedly said the propulsion system problem threatens the ability of the spacecraft to soft-land on the moon.
We are currently assessing what alternative mission profiles may be feasible at this time.
It might have just 40 hours of life left.
Large G-forces, temperature extremes, and the vacuum of space put components under huge stress.
If its on course for the moon, it will smash into the surface, Thomas wrote.
A second lander from another American private firm from Houston, Texas, is due to launch next month.
Astrobotics contract withNASAfor the Peregrine lander was reportedly valued at $108 million.
The last time the US launched a moon landing mission was in December 1972 with Apollo 17.
Subsequently, Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt became the 11th and 12th men to walk on the moon.
Terrible loss for them and science, one reader commented
