Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully launched early Monday on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking the start of a 60-day mission that aims to land on the Moon’s surface in March.
The spacecraft, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A at 1:11 a.m. EST. After separating from the rocket at 2:17 a.m., Blue Ghost established contact with mission control in Cedar Park, Texas, and completed initial commissioning by 5:30 a.m.
“The mission is now in the hands of the unstoppable Firefly team,” said Firefly Aerospace CEO Jason Kim. “We’re now fully focused on execution as we look to complete our on-orbit operations, softly touch down on the lunar surface, and pave the way for humanity’s return to the Moon.”
The mission, dubbed “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” will spend approximately 25 days in Earth orbit, followed by a four-day lunar transit and 16 days in lunar orbit before attempting to land in Mare Crisium. During its journey, the spacecraft will test GPS capabilities and demonstrate radiation-resistant computing systems.
Once on the lunar surface, Blue Ghost will operate 10 NASA payloads during a 14-Earth-day mission, conducting experiments including subsurface drilling and dust mitigation studies. The mission will conclude with high-definition photography of a total solar eclipse as viewed from the Moon and observations of the lunar sunset.
The mission represents one of four NASA task orders awarded to Firefly as part of the broader Artemis campaign, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon. The landing is targeted for March 2.
Firefly Aerospace, based in central Texas, is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners providing launch and lunar services for government and commercial customers.