Get the latest updates on space exploration and discoveries with CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Join now to stay informed about intriguing scientific advancements and more.
A fleet of lunar landers, developed by private companies, is en route to the moon as part of a collaborative effort between NASA and partner agencies. Texas-based Firefly Aerospace is leading the charge with its 6.6-foot-tall Blue Ghost lunar lander scheduled to touch down on the moon’s near side at 2:34 a.m. CT (3:34 a.m. ET) on Sunday.
While success is uncertain, Firefly’s CEO, Jason Kim, expressed confidence in the Blue Ghost’s propulsion systems, citing the company’s expertise in rocket technology. The lander faces the challenge of decelerating without an atmosphere, relying on sophisticated navigation systems to navigate the lunar terrain.
Equipped with advanced sensors and science instruments, Blue Ghost aims to land near an ancient volcanic feature on the moon’s far eastern edge. The mission includes technology demonstrations and data collection efforts to enhance our understanding of space and planetary environments.
Stay tuned for updates as Firefly prepares for this exciting lunar descent.
Firefly is eagerly anticipating the arrival of its spacecraft, Blue Ghost, which is expected to capture breathtaking images from its landing spot on the moon. Over a 14-day period, Blue Ghost will photograph a unique eclipse where Earth will obscure the sun’s rays from the moon’s surface for approximately five hours. In addition, the vehicle aims to document a rare phenomenon observed by astronauts over 50 years ago.
Kim, a representative from Firefly, explained, “There’s a phenomenon called the lunar horizon glow (scattered light caused by floating electrostatic particles) that only the Apollo 15 and 17 astronauts have seen with their eyes. We’re going to be able to capture that in 4K-by-4K high-definition video and share that with the rest of the world.”
Furthermore, Blue Ghost will continue its data collection during the lunar night, enduring temperatures plummeting as low as minus 280 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 173 degrees Celsius) as the landing site near Mons Latreille falls into shadow. Despite the challenging conditions, NASA is determined for Blue Ghost to persevere and succeed. The agency has even increased the contract value with Firefly from $93 million to $101 million to ensure the lander’s capability to withstand such extreme cold, as stated by Kim.
The Blue Ghost lander is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, aiming to foster private sector involvement in developing lunar landers to advance robotic exploration and pave the way for astronauts to return to the moon under the Artemis program after half a century.
Under the CLPS program, 14 companies are eligible to bid for contracts to conduct lunar landings. To date, only two companies, Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines, have undertaken missions. Intuitive Machines successfully achieved a soft touchdown, while Astrobotic’s initial mission encountered propulsion issues leading to failure shortly after reaching orbit.
As Blue Ghost journeys towards the moon, other private-sector vehicles are also making significant progress. Intuitive Machines recently launched its second lander headed for the moon’s south pole region, while Ispace, a Japan-based company, aims to redeem its unsuccessful first attempt in 2023 with a planned soft landing this spring.
For more news and updates from CNN, sign up for an account at CNN.com.
