Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost spacecraft has been orbiting Earth ahead of a trans-lunar injection maneuver in just under a week. The spacecraft, which launched on January 15 from the Kennedy Space Center, will remain in a lunar orbit for 16 days before attempting a landing on March 2.
The mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, aims to deliver 10 scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to support future human exploration of the moon. Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander is about 2 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide, carrying 94 kilograms (207 pounds) of payloads to the lunar surface.
The mission’s objectives include analyzing lunar regolith properties, studying solar wind interactions with Earth’s magnetic field, evaluating Global Navigation Satellite System capabilities, and assessing radiation-tolerant computing. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy praised the mission, saying it embodies the “bold spirit” of the Artemis campaign, which aims to establish a human presence on the moon, Mars, and beyond.
Firefly Aerospace is making its first attempt at landing on the moon, following setbacks experienced by other lunar landers in recent years. The success of Blue Ghost will be crucial for advancing NASA’s plans for lunar exploration and potential human missions to Mars.
Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/space/lunar-bound-blue-ghost-captures-stunning-video-of-earth