NASA Sets Coverage for ULA, Astrobotic Artemis Robotic Moon Launch
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The first United States commercial robotic landing on the Moon's surface as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and Artemis program is scheduled to occur in early 2024. Credit: NASA/LRO
NASA is set to cover the launch of Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander, encapsulated in the payload fairing of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan rocket. This launch is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and Artemis program. The target date for the launch is 2:18 a.m. EST on Monday, January 8, from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The primary objective of this mission is to carry NASA and commercial payloads to the Moon’s surface. These payloads aim to study the lunar exosphere, thermal properties, and hydrogen abundance of the lunar regolith, magnetic fields, and the radiation environment of the lunar surface. The data collected from these studies will help NASA develop capabilities needed to explore the Moon under the Artemis program and in advance of human missions on the lunar surface.
The Peregrine lunar lander, developed by Astrobotic, will land on the Moon on February 23, 2024. This mission will be a significant step forward in understanding the Moon’s environment and preparing for future human exploration.
NASA will provide live launch coverage on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website. Prelaunch events will begin on Thursday, January 4, with a science media briefing featuring experts from NASA Headquarters, Johnson Space Center, and other institutions. This briefing will provide insights into the various scientific payloads and their objectives.
On Friday, January 5, a lunar delivery readiness media teleconference will be held, featuring representatives from NASA, Astrobotic, and ULA. This teleconference will provide updates on the mission’s progress and discuss the collaboration between NASA and its partners in achieving this milestone.
NASA encourages the public to attend the launch virtually by registering on their website. Virtual guests will receive curated resources, schedule changes, and mission-specific information throughout the event. Additionally, the public can engage with NASA on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #Artemis.
This launch marks a significant milestone for NASA’s CLPS initiative, which aims to send a regular cadence of deliveries to the Moon for scientific investigations, technology testing, and capability demonstrations. Through the Artemis program, NASA is working with multiple CLPS vendors to establish a robust lunar exploration program.
For media inquiries related to the launch provider, United Launch Alliance, please contact their communications department at media@ulalaunch.com. For inquiries related to the CLPS provider, Astrobotic, please contact their communication department at contact@astrobotic.com.
