Robotic Lander Heads to Moon in Latest NASA LaunchRobotic Lander Heads to Moon in Latest NASA Launch

NASA launched a robotic lander early Wednesday as part of an initiative to bring science and technology to the moon.

Lifting off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, the robotic Firefly Blue Ghost lander is set to travel for 45 days before reaching the moon and landing on its surface in early March.

“This mission embodies the bold spirit of NASA’s Artemis campaign – a campaign driven by scientific exploration and discovery,” said NASA deputy administrator Pam Melroy. “Each flight we’re part of is a vital step in the larger blueprint to establish a responsible, sustained human presence at the Moon, Mars and beyond. 

“Each scientific instrument and technology demonstration brings us closer to realizing our vision. Congratulations to the NASA, Firefly and SpaceX teams on this successful launch.” 

As part of the NASA Moon to Mars exploration approach, the lander is carrying 10 science experiments to help better understand the Moon’s environment as NASA works to prepare future human missions.

The experiments and research will capture data related to drilling on the moon’s surface, collecting ground samples, testing navigation and satellite systems, how tolerant computers are of radiation and methods for mediating lunar dust. NASA expects the data will provide insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces impact Earth.

Related:NASA Charts AI, Robotics, 3D Printing as Path for Mars Sustainability

“NASA leads the world in space exploration, and American companies are a critical part of bringing humanity back to the moon,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA headquarters in Washington. 

“We learned many lessons during the Apollo Era, which informed the technological and science demonstrations aboard Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 – ensuring the safety and health of our future science instruments, spacecraft, and, most importantly, our astronauts on the lunar surface. I am excited to see the incredible science and technological data Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 will deliver in the days to come.”