One Rocket Two Missions
Summary
*Source: CNN* **Context: **Lunar landers built by U.S. and Japanese companies launched their “rideshare” to the moon, showcasing the private sector’s growing role in space exploration. **About One Rocket, Two Missions:** • **What it is: **A SpaceX **Falcon 9 rocket** recently launched two lunar spacecraft, **Blue Ghost** and **Resilience**, under NASA’s **CLPS program** and Japan’s private-sector initiatives, respectively. These missions aim to deliver scientific payloads and demonstrate adva
Exam Brief
GS-3A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched two lunar landers, Blue Ghost and Resilience. This highlights the growing private sector role in space exploration under NASA's CLPS program.
Key Facts
- SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Blue Ghost and Resilience.
- Blue Ghost carries 10 NASA scientific instruments.
- Resilience features the Tenacious micro rover.
- NASA's CLPS program promotes cost-effective lunar exploration.
- ispace-Europe developed Resilience.
Prelims — What UPSC Might Ask
- What is the purpose of NASA's CLPS program?
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Source Article Content
Source: CNN
**Context: **Lunar landers built by U.S. and Japanese companies launched their “rideshare” to the moon, showcasing the private sector’s growing role in space exploration.
About One Rocket, Two Missions:
• **What it is: **A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket recently launched two lunar spacecraft, Blue Ghost and Resilience, under NASA’s CLPS program and Japan’s private-sector initiatives, respectively. These missions aim to deliver scientific payloads and demonstrate advanced technologies for future lunar operations. • Nations involved: • United States: Through NASA’s CLPS program, promoting cost-effective lunar exploration via commercial partners. Japan: Represented by ispace, a Tokyo-based private company, contributing with innovative technology like the Tenacious micro rover. • United States: Through NASA’s CLPS program, promoting cost-effective lunar exploration via commercial partners. • Japan: Represented by ispace, a Tokyo-based private company, contributing with innovative technology like the Tenacious micro rover. • Satellites and Payloads Launched: • Blue Ghost: Developed by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.). Carries 10 NASA scientific instruments for studying Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and the Moon’s thermal and structural properties. Focused on navigation and computing technology demonstrations in harsh lunar environments. Resilience: Developed by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg subsidiary of Japan’s ispace). Features Tenacious, a micro rover equipped with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology. Aims to investigate the Moon’s far north, Mare Frigoris. • Blue Ghost: Developed by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.). Carries 10 NASA scientific instruments for studying Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and the Moon’s thermal and structural properties. Focused on navigation and computing technology demonstrations in harsh lunar environments. • Developed by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.). • Carries 10 NASA scientific instruments for studying Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and the Moon’s thermal and structural properties. • Focused on navigation and computing technology demonstrations in harsh lunar environments. • Resilience: Developed by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg subsidiary of Japan’s ispace). Features Tenacious, a micro rover equipped with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology. Aims to investigate the Moon’s far north, Mare Frigoris. • Developed by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg subsidiary of Japan’s ispace). • Features Tenacious, a micro rover equipped with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology. • Aims to investigate the Moon’s far north, Mare Frigoris. • Significance: • Technological Advancements: Both missions are testing advanced navigation, computing, and robotic systems essential for future lunar sustainability. Global Collaboration: Highlights international partnerships between private companies and government agencies to achieve lunar exploration goals. Sustained Lunar Economy: A stepping stone for establishing long-term human presence on the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program. Innovation in Exploration: Demonstrates cost-effective approaches to achieving complex space missions. • Technological Advancements: Both missions are testing advanced navigation, computing, and robotic systems essential for future lunar sustainability. • Global Collaboration: Highlights international partnerships between private companies and government agencies to achieve lunar exploration goals. • Sustained Lunar Economy: A stepping stone for establishing long-term human presence on the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program. • Innovation in Exploration: Demonstrates cost-effective approaches to achieving complex space missions. Insta links:
• Artemis-program