NASA Unveils Science Payloads for First Commercial Moon Deliveries
NASA reveals 16 science and technology payloads for the initial commercial lunar lander missions under the CLPS program. These deliveries by Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines help pave the way for human astronauts to return to the moon.
NASA finalizes 16 science and technology payloads for the first commercial lunar cargo deliveries under its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Private companies Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines build the landers that carry these crucial experiments to the moon's surface. These early robotic missions play a vital role in preparing for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return human astronauts to the moon by 2024.
Both landers share two identical payloads designed to guarantee safe and precise touchdowns. A Laser Retro-Reflector Array acts as a mirror-based location device, while a Navigation Doppler Lidar provides exact velocity and range sensing during descent. Astrobotic's Peregrine lander launches on a United Launch Alliance rocket and holds up to 585 lbs of cargo, whereas Intuitive Machines' Nova-C launches on a SpaceX Falcon 9 and carries a maximum of 220 lbs.
The remaining experiments split uniquely between the two vehicles, with Astrobotic handling a larger share due to its greater capacity. NASA oversees 14 approved commercial vendors, including Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin, who bid on specific delivery contracts. Moving forward, the agency plans to fly approximately two CLPS missions per year to steadily build a robust lunar landing infrastructure.