Blue Ghost Mission

04.03.2025

Blue Ghost Mission

Why in the news?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

            Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander has successfully touched down on the Moon's Mare Crisium region after a nerve-wracking powered descent.

About Blue Ghost Mission:

• Blue Ghost lander, developed by Firefly Aerospace,is carrying 10 NASA payloads as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which aims to stimulate lunar commerce through private-sector competition.
• The Blue Ghost mission aims to enhance our understanding of the lunar environment.
• The lander carries a vacuum, called Lunar PlanetVac (LPV), to collect lunar soil samples and a drill capable of measuring temperatures up to 10 feet (3 meters) below the surface.

Objectives of Blue Ghost Mission:

• The lander will study heat flow from the Moon’s interior, helping scientists understand its thermal evolution.
• It will analyse plume-surface interactions to improve landing techniques by examining how lunar regolith reacts to the lander’s engine plumes.
• By collecting data on the Moon’s magnetic and electric fields, researchers will gain insights into its geological history.
• The lander will operate for approximately 14 Earth days, equivalent to one complete lunar day, conducting scientific investigations and technology demonstrations.

                                                              Source: Indian Express

Consider the following statements regarding Blue Ghost Mission:

1. It is carrying 10 NASA payloads as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.

2. It aims to enhance our understanding of the lunar environment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C