Historic Launch: First U.S. Lunar Lander in Over 50 Years Sets Course for the Moon
In this footage captured from NASA’s video, the Vulcan rocket from United Launch Alliance, carrying Astrobotic Technology’s lander, takes off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday, January 8, 2024. This marked the launch of the first U.S. lunar lander in over 50 years, initiating a competitive space race among private companies for delivering payloads to NASA and other clients. Photo credit: NASA via AP.
In a groundbreaking event, the first U.S. lunar lander in more than five decades soared toward the moon on Monday, marking the onset of a space race among private companies vying to fulfill delivery missions for NASA and various clients.
Astrobotic Technology’s Journey on ULA’s Vulcan Rocket
Astrobotic Technology’s lunar lander hitched a ride on the newly launched United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. The Vulcan, piercing through the Florida predawn sky, charted a circuitous path to the moon, anticipating a planned landing on February 23.
Astrobotic CEO John Thornton exclaimed, expressing excitement, “So, so, so excited. We are on our way to the moon!“ Astrobotic aims to be the first private entity to achieve a successful moon landing, a feat achieved by only four countries to date. However, competition looms, as a Houston-based company stands ready with a lander that could potentially reach the lunar surface via a more direct route.
NASA’s Investment and Lunar Exploration Plans
NASA allocated millions to both Astrobotic and the Houston company to develop and launch their lunar landers. These private spacecraft are tasked with conducting preliminary surveys before human exploration while delivering NASA technology, scientific experiments, and miscellaneous cargo. Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander, under a $108 million contract, is a significant player in this lunar exploration initiative.
The last U.S. moon-landing mission took place in December 1972 with Apollo 17. The Artemis program, NASA’s latest lunar exploration initiative, aims to return astronauts to the moon within the next few years, starting with a lunar fly-around featuring four astronauts.
Vulcan Rocket’s Inaugural Test Flight
Monday’s mission also marked the long-delayed inaugural test flight of the Vulcan rocket, an upgraded version of ULA’s Atlas V. The launch’s success was celebrated by ULA’s chief executive, Tory Bruno, marking a significant milestone for space exploration.
While the Soviet Union and the U.S. dominated lunar exploration in the 1960s and 70s, China and India joined the elite club in subsequent years. Last year, they witnessed lunar landers from Russia and a private Japanese company, with SpaceX scheduled to launch a lander from Intuitive Machines in the coming month.
Challenges and Lunar Descent Anticipation
The hour-long descent to the lunar surface poses a substantial challenge, with Astrobotic’s Thornton describing it as “exciting, nail-biting, terrifying all at once.” In addition to NASA experiments, the company has initiated its own lunar freight business, including unique cargo such as a chip of rock from Mount Everest and toy-size cars from Mexico.
Controversies and Future Collaborations
The launch faced controversy as the Navajo Nation sought a delay due to concerns about human remains on board. Astrobotics pledged to address these concerns in future missions, emphasizing collaboration with the Navajo Nation.
Despite cargo fares ranging from a few hundred dollars to $1.2 million per kilogram, not enough for Astrobotic to break even on this initial flight, Thornton emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, “A lot of people’s dreams and hopes are riding on this.”
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Read more: Lunar Exploration in 2024: A Pivotal Year for Human and Robotic Missions.
