Astrobotic Spacecraft Ready for Mission to the Moon

PITTSBURGH – Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander is set to launch on a historic mission to the moon Jan. 8.

After completing all integration milestones, including mating with the United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket payload adaptor on Nov. 16, the Peregrine spacecraft is ready to become the first commercial company to successfully land a spacecraft on the lunar surface.

Carrying 20 payloads of cargo, including five from NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, the lander has several missions to complete on the way to the moon and upon the landing, which is scheduled for Feb. 23.

“I have high praise for the professionalism, dedication and technical expertise demonstrated by the Astrobotic team throughout the complex, multiyear Peregrine development program,” said Sharad Bhaskaran, Peregrine Mission One director. “Evolving Peregrine from a paper concept to a fully tested spacecraft ready for launch is a remarkable achievement for a small business.”

John Thornton, Astrobotic CEO, said throughout the process the “team has continuously surpassed expectations and demonstrated incredible ingenuity during flight reviews, spacecraft testing and major hardware integrations” leading to the mission.

To register to virtually watch the launch, click HERE.

Pictured at top: Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander joined with United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket payload adaptor. (United Launch Alliance)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.