The deal covers the acquisition of additional scientific and operational data gathered during Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 – the first commercial mission to successfully land on the moon.
In total, the mission captured nearly 120 gigabytes of data during its 45-day journey to the lunar surface, the landing itself, and more than two weeks of operations on the moon.
“Blue Ghost operated on the lunar surface longer than any other commercial mission, allowing us to capture first-of-its-kind data, from sunrise to sunset and even a solar eclipse,” said Firefly’s Blue Ghost chief engineer, Will Coogan. “We’re excited to share this trove of information with NASA and the broader scientific community to inform future robotic and human missions that support the Artemis program.”
The data package includes high-definition images taken during a solar eclipse and sunset on the moon, which could shed new light on questions about lunar dust behaviour and the phenomenon known as horizon glow.
Also included are communications records from Blue Ghost’s S-band and X-band antennas, propulsion data from the company’s Spectre thrusters during critical manoeuvres and descent, and detailed performance readings from the lander. Temperature data from both the spacecraft and its payloads – which endured a 260-degree swing in conditions – has also been provided to NASA.
Operating in the Mare Crisium region, Blue Ghost experienced extreme fluctuations: soaring to 110 degrees during lunar noon before plunging to -170 degrees in the midst of a five-hour solar eclipse, including two hours of total darkness as the Earth blocked the sun.
“Blue Ghost survived extremes beyond our thermal models, caused by newly observed surface effects,” Coogan said. “Our team responded with innovative solutions, including what we called ‘operation parasol’, where we angled an antenna to act as a sunshade until conditions stabilised.”
These measures enabled the spacecraft to complete all mission objectives while gathering vital information about the moon’s harsh environment, such as how crater reflections alter a lander’s thermal state and how dust accumulation impacts performance.
“This dataset is crucial as the United States – and by extension, its partners – work towards building a sustainable human presence on the moon,” Coogan said. “It will improve thermal modelling and help prepare infrastructure, habitats and astronauts for the unique challenges of the lunar surface.”
Firefly Aerospace provides launch, lunar and in-space services for government and commercial clients. The company is notable for being the only commercial provider able to launch a satellite into orbit with less than 24 hours’ notice.