Private companies Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines are set to revive the United States’ moon-landing endeavors. Astrobotic Technology plans to launch its lunar lander, named Peregrine, on Monday, January 8, 2024, utilizing United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. Meanwhile, Intuitive Machines aims to launch its lander, Nova-C, in mid-February, hitching a ride with SpaceX.
Japan, on the other hand, is also gearing up for a moon landing, scheduled to take place in two weeks. If successful, Japan will become the fifth country to achieve this feat. However, landing on the moon presents numerous challenges due to the absence of atmosphere and the presence of difficult terrain.
Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander will carry research packages for seven countries, including NASA and Carnegie Mellon University, highlighting the collaborative nature of this mission. Similarly, Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander plans to carry out experiments for NASA, with a focus on landing in the moon’s south polar region.
Both Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines received considerable financial support from NASA in 2019, amounting to nearly $80 million each. This funding will enable them to pursue their lunar ambitions.
Of particular interest is the moon’s south pole, believed to harbor frozen water that could potentially be used for drinking and producing rocket fuel. NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts to the moon once again, has its sights set on the moon’s south pole.
Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines have grand plans for future moon missions. They intend to transport NASA’s water-seeking Viper rover and an ice drill, expanding scientific research on the lunar surface.
In addition to their technical objectives, Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander is set to carry symbolic items, including a Kennywood amusement park token, as well as the ashes or DNA of 70 individuals. Notable names include “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry and science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke.
It is worth noting that the U.S. has not attempted a moon landing since 1972, making these upcoming missions highly significant in re-establishing America’s presence on the lunar surface.
“Travel aficionado. Incurable bacon specialist. Tv evangelist. Wannabe internet enthusiast. Typical creator.”