Despite NASA's historical prominence in lunar exploration since the Apollo missions, there has been an intriguing absence of lander missions since Apollo 17 in 1972. However, a significant shift is anticipated on Monday afternoon, January 8, as NASA embarks on a return to the lunar surface, this time partnering with a commercial mission.
The collaboration underscores the increasing synergy between NASA and the private space sector, signaling a new era of joint ventures in space exploration.
Preparations are underway at Cape Canaveral in Florida for a historic mission aiming to land a US spacecraft on the moon, a feat not accomplished in over 50 years since the conclusion of the Apollo project.
Named Peregrine Mission One after the fastest animal on Earth, the spacecraft is scheduled to launch at 2:18 am local time (7:18 GMT) on Monday, looping around the Earth before heading to the moon and attempting a landing soon after the local sunrise on February 23.
Despite the inherent risks in space exploration, the mission is considered particularly daring. While NASA has instruments on the robotic lander, this venture is a commercial operation, marking the first time a private company attempts a soft landing on the moon or any celestial body.
To read more, click here.