Part of the Artemis program, this mission will focus on understanding the unique characteristics of the Gruithuisen Domes, a region of ancient volcanic activity. These experiments and technology demonstrations aim to uncover details about planetary processes and the Moon's evolution while also preparing for future human exploration. The CLPS initiative underpins NASA's Moon to Mars strategy by providing critical insights into the lunar environment.
"The CLPS initiative carries out U.S. scientific and technical studies on the surface of the Moon by robot explorers," said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "Understanding the formation of the Gruithuisen Domes and the surrounding ancient lava flows will help the U.S. answer important questions about the lunar surface."
Firefly Aerospace's lunar missions are progressing, with its first lunar delivery scheduled for mid-January 2025, targeting Mons Latreille in Mare Crisium. A second mission in 2026 will involve a satellite deployment and a lunar surface delivery to the Moon's far side. This latest 2028 mission will not only deliver payloads to the Gruithuisen Domes but also introduce roving capabilities for on-surface mobility, enabling groundbreaking scientific investigations.
The instruments for the 2028 mission, totaling approximately 215 pounds (97 kilograms), include:
- Lunar Vulkan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer: This suite of instruments will study rocks and regoliths on the summit of a dome to explore their origins and the geologic processes of early planetary bodies. Dr. Kerri Donaldson Hanna of the University of Central Florida, Orlando, leads this effort.
- Heimdall: A versatile camera system designed to capture detailed images of the landing site from various angles. This project is headed by Dr. R. Aileen Yingst of the Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, Arizona.
- Sample Acquisition, Morphology Filtering, and Probing of Lunar Regolith: Utilizing a robotic arm and scoop, this instrument will collect and analyze lunar regolith samples. Sean Dougherty of Maxar Technologies, Westminster, Colorado, leads the project.
- Low-frequency Radio Observations from the Near Side Lunar Surface: Designed to assess the lunar environment's radio frequency interference, this experiment is led by Natchimuthuk Gopalswamy of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland.
- Photovoltaic Investigation on the Lunar Surface: Featuring the latest solar cell technology, this demonstration will assess light-to-electricity conversion and the charging environment on the Moon. Jeremiah McNatt of NASA's Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, leads the investigation.
- Neutron Measurements at the Lunar Surface: This neutron spectrometer will analyze neutron radiation, hydrogen presence, and elemental composition at the landing site. Dr. Heidi Haviland of NASA's Marshall Spaceflight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, is the principal investigator.
NASA continues to leverage the entrepreneurial capabilities of American companies through the CLPS initiative, promoting a growing lunar economy. These missions support advancements in lunar science and technologies essential for exploration and commercial development.
For more information about CLPS and Artemis, visit here
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