Liftoff! NASA Sends Science, Tech to Moon on Firefly, SpaceX Flight

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Last Updated on January 19, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network

Here’s an update from our local Solar System Ambassador Pam Roller:

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/liftoff-nasa-sends-science-tech-to-moon-on-firefly-spacex-flight/

Credits: NASA/Frank/Michaux, Tiernan P. Doyle, quote from NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy

Creating a golden streak in the night sky, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission One lander soars upward after liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 15, as part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative. The Blue Ghost lander carried 10 NASA science and technology instruments to the lunar surface to further understand the Moon and help prepare for future humanmissions.

The company is targeting a lunar landing on Sunday, March 2.

“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 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.” 

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