Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
Astrobotic Technology, a company specializing in space robotics, is preparing to launch its Peregrine Lander on a historic mission to the Moon
The spacecraft will take off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on December 24, 2023, marking the inaugural flight of United Launch Alliance's (ULA) state-of-the-art Vulcan rocket
The Peregrine Mission One aims to achieve a lunar landing early in 2024, carrying a diverse array of payloads from NASA and commercial entities. These payloads are instrumental in advancing lunar scientific knowledge, exploration capabilities, and commercial lunar development
This mission is a pivotal component of NASA's Artemis program, with the goal of returning humans to the lunar surface and establishing a sustainable presence there
The Peregrine Lander boasts a next-generation propulsion system, comprising five main engines, responsible for critical spacecraft manoeuvres like trans-lunar injection, trajectory correction, lunar orbit insertion, and powered descent
Four clusters of attitude control thrusters play a crucial role in maintaining the lander's orientation throughout its mission
Designed for precision and safety, the lander can deliver payloads to both lunar orbit and the lunar surface. Payload configurations are adaptable, offering options above or below the decks, inside or outside enclosures, and can remain attached or be deployed upon lunar arrival
This mission aligns with NASA's CLPS initiative, collaborating with American companies to transport science and technology to the Moon. Companies of varying sizes bid to deliver payloads, covering everything from integration to operations, Earth launching, and lunar surface delivery
Under the Artemis program, commercial deliveries initiated this year will conduct science experiments, test technologies, and demonstrate capabilities to facilitate NASA's lunar exploration and prepare for upcoming human missions
CLPS contracts are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts with a cumulative maximum value of $2.6 billion through 2028, signifying NASA's substantial commitment to lunar exploration and scientific discovery