Falcon Heavy to Launch Astrobotic Lander & NASA Rover to the Moon

SpaceX's Lunar Mission with Astrobotic

In 2023, SpaceX is scheduled to launch a payload towards the moon, utilizing the powerful Falcon Heavy launch vehicle. This mission will feature a lander developed by the space technology company, Astrobotic.

VIPER Rover and NASA's Objectives

The Astrobotic lander will transport VIPER, which stands for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, a project spearheaded by NASA. NASA is known for creating detailed acronyms for its initiatives.

If successful, this launch will mark the first lunar mission for the Falcon Heavy rocket. However, SpaceX has previously contracted missions to deliver lunar landers, beginning in 2022, through partnerships with Masten and Intuitive Machines.

These earlier missions were planned to utilize the Falcon 9 rocket, based on current specifications. It's important to note that schedules in the space industry are often subject to change and potential delays.

Significance for Artemis Program

This mission holds considerable importance for all parties involved, suggesting a high priority for successful execution. For NASA, it represents a crucial step towards the Artemis program.

The Artemis program aims to re-establish a human presence on the moon and build a lasting scientific outpost, both in lunar orbit and on the lunar surface. Utilizing resources found on the moon, particularly water, will be essential for establishing a permanent base.

Image Credits: Astrobotic

Astrobotic's Griffin Lander

Last year, Astrobotic secured the contract from NASA to deliver VIPER. The mission involves a landing at the lunar South Pole, which is also the designated landing zone for NASA’s crewed Artemis missions.

The Griffin lander, a larger model than Astrobotic’s Peregrine, is being used for this task. Its increased capacity is necessary to accommodate the VIPER rover, necessitating the use of the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle.

Public-Private Partnerships and CLPS

NASA’s 2024 target for returning astronauts to the moon is currently under review, but the agency remains dedicated to leveraging public-private partnerships to achieve this goal.

This Griffin mission, alongside the previously planned Peregrine landing, falls under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. This program actively seeks private sector partners to develop and deliver lunar landers, with NASA serving as a key client.