British Science Lands on the Moon in Historic Peregrine Mission

Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission One, featuring a British-built scientific component, embarks on a historic journey to land on the moon, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration and international cooperation.

Historic Launch for British Science

Today marks a groundbreaking moment in space exploration as Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission One, carrying a British-built science component, launches. This mission will see the first UK and European science instrument land on the moon, representing a significant leap in the UK’s space capabilities and international collaboration.

Journey to the Moon: Peregrine Mission One

Launching a New Era of Lunar Exploration

Peregrine Mission One, undertaken by Astrobotic, has begun its momentous journey, starting with an orbit around Earth and then the Moon. The mission, which launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, is expected to make its historic lunar landing around mid-February. This mission is not just a technical marvel but also a symbol of international space collaboration, with the UK playing a pivotal role.

Unveiling the Moon’s Mysteries

The heart of this mission lies in its scientific pursuits, particularly the Peregrine Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (PITMS). Developed through a £14 million investment by the UK government and part of the UK’s membership of the European Space Agency, PITMS is set to explore the Moon’s atmosphere. Its focus on measuring water and other molecules aims to unlock the mysteries of the Moon’s ‘water cycle,’ mirroring studies conducted on Earth. This research will provide invaluable insights into lunar composition and the potential for human sustainability on the moon.

The UK’s Pioneering Contribution

The Exospheric Mass Spectrometer

The UK’s contribution, the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer, was developed by The Open University and RAL Space under a European Space Agency contract. This instrument represents the first of its kind from the UK and Europe to reach the Moon. It embodies the UK’s commitment to economic growth and showcases the nation’s prowess in cutting-edge space technology.

How It Works: Deciphering the Moon

As part of PITMS, the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer will enable researchers to study atoms and molecules in a gas. Lunar molecules in the Moon’s exosphere will be ionized and then analyzed, revealing their chemical makeup. This data is crucial for understanding the Moon’s composition and its potential as a resource provider for future space exploration.

Diverse Payloads: Science Meets Creativity

A Touch of Human Creativity in Space

The Peregrine Lunar Lander carries not only scientific instruments but also a suite of diverse payloads, adding a unique human touch to space exploration. These include a time capsule, a bitcoin, and even a music album, symbolizing the blend of science, culture, and creativity in this mission.

Leaders’ Perspectives on the Mission

Science and Technology Secretary’s Statement

Michelle Donelan, the UK’s Science and Technology Secretary, emphasized the mission’s significance for the UK space industry. She highlighted the potential of the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer in understanding sustainable human presence on the Moon, further noting its role in transforming our interaction with the solar system.

NASA’s Role and Future Prospects

NASA, having contracted Astrobotic as its commercial partner, plays a vital role in this mission. The Peregrine Mission One aligns with NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at exploring more of the lunar surface than ever before.

Exciting Times for UK Space Exploration

The UK Space Agency and RAL Space’s Views

Libby Jackson from the UK Space Agency and Prof. Mark Thomson from STFC expressed their excitement and pride in witnessing the UK’s first instrument launching to the Moon. Furthermore, they noted that this mission paves the way for future space exploration and serves as a source of inspiration for the next generations.

ESA’s Groundbreaking Contribution

Roland Trautner, ESA EMS Project Manager, shared the significance of the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer, emphasizing its role as a technology demonstrator for ESA. Additionally, he highlighted its critical role in answering key questions about the Moon’s exosphere.

Sources: THX News, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Space Agency, & The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP.

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