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Blue Ghost (62716)
COSPAR: 2025-010A | Alt Name: Blue Ghost Mission 1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 15, 2025
Launch Site
Kennedy Space Center
Launch Pad
LC-39A
Launch Vehicle
Falcon 9 Block 5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62716
International Designator
2025-010A
Decay Date
3/2/2025
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
Blue Ghost
Alternative Name
Blue Ghost Mission 1
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
Firefly Aerospace
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launch on January 15, 2025; planned lunar landing on March 2, 2025; mission operations for approximately 60 days.
Summary
The Blue Ghost lunar lander (NORAD_CAT_ID: 62716) was launched on January 15, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center's LC-39A aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This mission is managed by Firefly Aerospace and aims to deliver ten NASA-sponsored payloads to Mare Crisium on the Moon for scientific investigation and technology demonstration under NASA’s Artemis program. The lander measures approximately 2 meters in length with a diameter of 3.5 meters, equipped with solar panels that provide up to 400 watts of power during transit and surface operations. Its structure is made from high-strength carbon composites and aluminum alloys, featuring metallic exterior with gold and silver thermal insulation layers. The Blue Ghost carries instruments for studying lunar regolith properties, geophysical characteristics, and interactions between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field. It also has advanced ADCS to maintain orientation and is equipped with 12 flight cameras, a vision navigation processor, and two floodlights for navigation during descent. The mission is designed to operate for approximately 60 days post-lunar landing, which was scheduled for March 2, 2025.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
3.5
Span
3.5
Dry Mass
469
Launch Mass
1500
Shape
Box with four landing legs
Radar Cross Section
0.3
Visual Magnitude
5.5
Color
The lander features a metallic exterior with gold and silver thermal insulation layers.
Material Composition
Constructed using high-strength, lightweight carbon composites and aluminum alloys.
Technical Details
Payload
The lander carries ten NASA-sponsored payloads, including instruments to study lunar regolith properties, geophysical characteristics, and interactions between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field.
Purpose
Lunar lander
Mission
Blue Ghost Mission 1 aims to deliver ten scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to the Moon's Mare Crisium region, supporting future human exploration under NASA's Artemis program.
Manufacturer
Firefly Aerospace
Life Expectancy
The mission is designed to operate for approximately 60 days, including transit and surface operations.
Bus
Blue Ghost
Configuration
Lunar Lander
Motor
LEROS 4-ET
Equipment
The Blue Ghost lander is equipped with 12 flight cameras, a vision navigation processor, and two flight floodlights to support spacecraft operations and terrain relative navigation during descent.
Power System
The lander is powered by solar panels providing up to 400 watts of power for the lander and its payloads during transit and on the lunar surface.
ADCS
The Blue Ghost lander utilizes an advanced Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) to maintain precise orientation during its mission.
Transmitter Frequency
S-band for telemetry and X-band for data transmission.
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