The international aerospace company Firefly Aerospace successfully executed the landing of its spacecraft Blue Ghost on the surface of the Moon yesterday. The mission's objective is to conduct experiments in collaboration with the American space agency NASA.
The Blue Ghost spacecraft is equipped with a specialized drill, an electric winch, and other scientific instruments to perform tasks within the framework of cooperation with NASA. This mission represents a new step in the work of private companies aiming to begin their activities on the Moon before the upcoming space missions.
The Blue Ghost spacecraft successfully completed its landing on the Moon using an automated piloting system, landing on the slopes of an ancient volcanic crater on the northeastern edge of the Moon.
Official confirmation of the successful landing came from the mission control center in Austin, Texas, located about 225 thousand miles (360 thousand kilometers) away. "We have landed on the Moon," stated the mission control center, adding that the spacecraft is "in a stable condition."
Firefly's General Director, Jason Kim, noted that unlike missions funded by NASA, where billions of dollars are spent, private companies operate with a limited budget, utilizing autonomous robotic systems for landings.