NASA hasn't landed a payload on the Moon's surface for 51 years. But they say "We're so back!"
Several years ago NASA contracted with a number of "new space" companies to build landers to deliver scientific instruments and small cargo to the lunar surface. Well, that time has come. They call it CLPS for Commercial Lunar Payload Services.
Six of these missions are planned for the next year, starting with Astrobotics' Peregrine lander. It is scheduled to be launched on the first flight of ULA's new Vulcan rocket on December 24. The fact that they are launching Peregrine-1 on Vulcan's first flight indicates the confidence everyone has in ULA and Vulcan.
https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/...it-508.pdf
Several years ago NASA contracted with a number of "new space" companies to build landers to deliver scientific instruments and small cargo to the lunar surface. Well, that time has come. They call it CLPS for Commercial Lunar Payload Services.
Six of these missions are planned for the next year, starting with Astrobotics' Peregrine lander. It is scheduled to be launched on the first flight of ULA's new Vulcan rocket on December 24. The fact that they are launching Peregrine-1 on Vulcan's first flight indicates the confidence everyone has in ULA and Vulcan.
https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/...it-508.pdf