LOM is an acronym that stands for "Loss of Mission," generally used within the context of space missions or aerospace engineering. It refers to a situation or event where the original objective or purpose of a mission is compromised, hindered, or no longer achievable.
In the field of space exploration, a loss of mission can occur due to various reasons, such as technical failures, equipment malfunctions, communication errors, or unforeseen circumstances. It signifies the failure of a space mission to fulfill its intended goals or complete its planned tasks. LOMs can range from minor setbacks to catastrophic failures that result in the complete termination of a mission.
When a loss of mission is declared, it typically involves an official acknowledgement by the relevant space agency that the primary objectives of the mission will not be achieved or that the mission itself cannot continue. This could lead to a reevaluation of the mission's goals, timeline, or even termination if the mission's significance or feasibility is deemed compromised.
Furthermore, LOM can also refer to the Loss of Mission phrase in the Celestial Navigation discipline, specifically denoting the moment when a celestial body being used for navigation purposes disappears or becomes not visible from a navigator's point of view, rendering it no longer useful for positioning or course plotting.
Overall, the term LOM signifies a significant setback or failure in the accomplishment of a mission's objectives, indicating a need for reassessment or potentially cancellation of the mission.
