Firefly's Blue Ghost Lander Witnesses Lunar Sunrise On Moon; NASA Shares Splendid Picture
The mission, also known as 'Ghost Riders in the Sky', entered lunar orbit on February 13. Since then, it was hovering above the lunar surface until its planned touchdown on Mar. 2.
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1, carrying NASA's payloads, commenced its operations on Mar. 4 after witnessing the first lunar sunrise two days after its touchdown on the surface of the Moon. The development signifies the start of a new day on the Moon and the beginning of NASA's latest commercial mission.
The Blue Ghost lander sent back a stunning image of the lunar sunrise, which was shared by NASA on its social media platforms.
"It's a new dawn, it's a new day, and we're feeling good," NASA said in a post on X.
In response, NASA's official handle for Moon wrote, "Not a morning person? This lunar sunrise may change your mind!"
How Long Will Blue Ghost Mission 1 Last?
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, launched from Earth on Jan. 15, will operate for two weeks (one lunar day equals 14 days on Earth). During this period, the lander will carry out various studies to get a better understanding of lunar heat flow and electric and magnetic fields, among other things. One of the important objectives of the mission is to demonstrate lunar subsurface drilling technology.
The lander is carrying NASA's 10 technological instruments. With a payload capacity of 155 kilograms, the lander will be powered by solar panels mounted on it. These panels can be adjusted on the sides of the spacecraft or deployed based on the Sun’s orientation, the US space agency said.
Texas-based Firefly Aerospace is leading the mission under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which focuses on collaboration with the American private industry. The mission, also known as 'Ghost Riders in the Sky', entered lunar orbit on February 13. Since then, it was hovering above the lunar surface until its planned touchdown on Mar. 2.
Where Is Blue Ghost Lander Stationed on the Moon?
The lander is positioned near Mons Latreille within Mare Crisium, a volcanic feature on the Moon. Mare Crisium is a 300-mile-wide basin in the Moon’s near side, visible to Earth. During its two-week-long operations, Firefly will try to gather details about the Moon before attempting to capture the lunar sunset on March 16.
On March 14, the lander will also capture high-definition images of a total eclipse as the Earth blocks the Sun above the Moon’s horizon.
Since its launch, the lander has travelled more than 2.8 million miles. It is equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which will help NASA to use the same positioning systems on Earth when at the Moon.
NASA's current CLPS contracts are open-ended agreements worth up to $2.6 billion through 2028.
