Firefly Aerospace Secures NASA Contract for Lunar Payload Services
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a $176.7m contract by NASA under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative to deliver five NASA-sponsored payloads to the Moon’s south pole in 2029. The mission will employ Firefly’s Elytra orbital transfer vehicle and the Blue Ghost lunar lander to conduct scientific research and resource evaluation on the lunar surface, supporting future human exploration and infrastructure development.
Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm for another opportunity to collaborate with NASA on the Moon, highlighting their successful history and dedication to achieving mission objectives. The upcoming mission aims to set new records and further solidify their position in the space industry.
During the operation, Blue Ghost will facilitate the deployment of rovers and payloads, enabling essential operations for over 12 days on the lunar surface. The mission includes a diverse set of payloads aimed at advancing lunar exploration and understanding the Moon’s composition and resources.
Following the mission, Elytra Dark will continue its operations in lunar orbit to support Firefly’s Ocula lunar imaging service, enhancing services for lunar mapping and mineral detection. The expansion of Firefly’s constellation will offer improved revisit times and valuable support for future space missions.
Chris Clark, Vice President of Spacecraft, affirmed Firefly’s commitment to providing reliable and innovative spacecraft for lunar missions, inviting both government and commercial entities to participate and benefit from Firefly’s expertise and infrastructure.
