Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lander Successfully Launches NASA Instruments to Explore Lunar Surface

Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander, equipped with NASA scientific instruments as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, was launched atop United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 2:18 a.m. EST. The Peregrine lander is en route to the lunar surface, embarking on a 46-day journey.

Once on the Moon, NASA’s instruments aboard Peregrine will conduct studies on the lunar exosphere, thermal properties of the lunar regolith, hydrogen abundances in the soil at the landing site, and radiation environment monitoring. These scientific endeavors aim to enhance our understanding of planetary processes, explore evidence of water and resources, and support sustainable human exploration.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remarked, “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.” He emphasized the importance of these high-risk missions, highlighting their contributions to new lunar science, support for the commercial space economy, and the demonstration of American technological strength and innovation.

The CLPS flight carries various NASA research payloads, including a Laser Retroreflector Array for precise position determination, a Neutron Spectrometer System to search for water indicators, a Linear Energy Transfer Spectrometer for radiation environment monitoring, a Near InfraRed Volatiles Spectrometer System for surface hydration and mineral detection, and a Peregrine Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometer to study the lunar exosphere.

Peregrine is scheduled to land on the Moon on Friday, Feb. 23, embarking on a 10-day mission to gather valuable scientific data, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s nearest neighbor and paving the way for historic lunar exploration under the Artemis program.

Source: A. Donaldson, Abbey. NASA. “NASA Science Heads to Moon on First US Private Robotic Artemis Flight”. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-science-heads-to-moon-on-first-us-private-robotic-artemis-flight/. 08/01/2024. [Date accessed: 09/01/2024]