ULA Vulcan Rocket Launch On NASA Moon Landing Mission
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| Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander launched on United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan rocket at 2:18 a.m. EST from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Credit: NASA |
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - An Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander carrying NASA's scientific instruments successfully launched aboard a United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket at 2:18 a.m. EST from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Peregrine is now on its way to complete NASA's first moon landing in decades.
Upon reaching the Moon, NASA's instruments aboard Peregrine will explore the lunar exosphere, study the thermal properties of the lunar regolith, assess hydrogen abundances in the soil at the landing site, and monitor the radiation environment.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed excitement about the significance of this mission, stating, "The first CLPS launch has sent payloads on their way to the Moon – a giant leap for humanity as we prepare to return to the lunar surface for the first time in over half a century." Nelson emphasized the dual impact of these high-risk missions, fostering new lunar science while contributing to the growth of the commercial space economy.
NASA's research payloads include:
Laser Retroreflector Array: A collection of approximately half-inch (1.25 cm.) retro-reflectors mounted on the lander. These mirrors, used for measuring distance, will reflect laser light from other orbiting and landing spacecraft to precisely determine the lander's position.
Neutron Spectrometer System: Designed to search for indicators of water near the lunar surface, this system will detect hydrogen-bearing materials at the landing site and determine bulk properties of the regolith.
Linear Energy Transfer Spectrometer: A radiation sensor that will collect information about the lunar radiation environment and monitor any solar events during the mission, utilizing flight-proven hardware from the Orion spacecraft's inaugural uncrewed flight in 2014.
Near InfraRed Volatiles Spectrometer System: This system will measure surface hydration and volatiles, detect certain minerals using spectroscopy, and map surface temperature and changes at the landing site.
Peregrine Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometer: Originally developed for the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission, this instrument will study the lunar exosphere, analyzing gases on the Moon's surface and understanding the release and movement of volatiles.
Peregrine is scheduled to touch down on the lunar surface on Friday, Feb. 23, embarking on a 10-day mission to gather valuable scientific data. This venture not only marks a significant step in our exploration of Earth's nearest neighbor but also contributes to shaping the future of human exploration for the Artemis Generation.
The first U.S. commercial robotic launch to the Moon successfully lifted off Jan. 8 on the first flight of @ULALaunch’s #VulcanRocket. @Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission 1 lander is expected to reach the lunar surface in February: https://t.co/csvx73ZqgP pic.twitter.com/N7Mxiqi8GC
— NASA (@NASA) January 8, 2024
The first U.S. commercial robotic launch to the Moon successfully lifted off Jan. 8 on the first flight of @ULALaunch’s #VulcanRocket. @Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission 1 lander is expected to reach the lunar surface in February: https://t.co/csvx73ZqgP pic.twitter.com/N7Mxiqi8GC
— NASA (@NASA) January 8, 2024
