Nasa’s Blue Ghost touches moon

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander has successfully landed in the Mare Crisium region of the Moon following a tense powered descent.This mission marks the first of three significant spacecraft set to explore the Moon’s serene landscape.

Launched on January 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the mission reached its successful conclusion with a precise landing on Sunday, March 2. Shortly after touchdown, the lander transmitted a remarkable image of the lunar surface, showcasing its landing legs.

Prior to its lunar journey, the Blue Ghost spacecraft spent approximately one month in orbit around Earth, followed by a 16-day trajectory refinement in lunar orbit. This methodical approach enabled Firefly Aerospace to thoroughly test the spacecraft’s systems and prepare for the crucial descent phase. The chosen landing site, located near the ancient volcanic structure Mons Latreille, provides an optimal setting for a variety of scientific investigations.

Equipped with 10 NASA payloads as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, the Blue Ghost mission seeks to deepen our understanding of the lunar environment.

The lander will investigate heat flow from the Moon’s interior, contributing to our knowledge of its thermal evolution. It will also analyze interactions between engine plumes and the lunar surface to enhance landing techniques by studying the response of lunar regolith. Furthermore, data collection on the Moon’s magnetic and electric fields will offer valuable insights into its geological history. Additionally, X-ray imaging of Earth’s magnetosphere will yield new information regarding our planet’s magnetic field.

The lander is expected to operate for about 14 Earth days, which corresponds to one complete lunar day, during which it will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations. These activities will include capturing high-definition video of the lunar horizon glow, a phenomenon last documented by Apollo astronauts over half a century ago.