Nasa to launch Ghost Rider that will live on the Moon for 14 days

Nasa said that the spacecraft will be launched in a six-day launch window to the Moon that opens in mid-January 2025.

In Short

• The lander underwent thermal vacuum chamber tests
• The mission is dubbed Ghost Riders in the Sky
• Blue Ghost will carry 10 Nasa payloads to the lunar surface

Firefly Aerospace has successfully completed environmental testing on its Blue Ghost lunar lander, marking a significant milestone in preparation for its first mission to the Moon.

The company announced that the lander is now ready for shipment to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in mid-December for a planned launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in mid-January 2025.

Nasa said that the spacecraft will be launched in a six-day launch window to the Moon that opens in mid-January 2025.

The environmental testing, conducted at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), subjected Blue Ghost to extreme conditions simulating those it will encounter during its journey to the Moon.

The lander underwent thermal vacuum chamber tests, vibration and acoustic trials, and electromagnetic interference checks to ensure its ability to withstand the rigours of launch, transit, and lunar landing.

Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, expressed confidence in the lander's performance, stating that Blue Ghost "aced environmental testing" and is performing as expected12. Following the tests, the lander was returned to Firefly's facility in Austin, Texas, where the team has been conducting additional mission simulations and preparations.

The mission, dubbed "Ghost Riders in the Sky," is part of Nasa's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

Blue Ghost will carry 10 Nasa payloads to the lunar surface, where it will operate for one lunar day or 14 Earth days in Mare Crisium.

These payloads will perform various scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, including subsurface drilling, sample collection, and dust mitigation studies.

After completing its primary mission, Blue Ghost will capture imagery of the lunar sunset and collect data on lunar regolith behavior during dusk conditions. The lander is also designed to continue operating for several hours into the lunar night.

The success of Blue Ghost's environmental testing brings Firefly one step closer to joining the ranks of commercial companies contributing to lunar exploration and scientific advancement.