Firefly Aerospace Secures $179.6M NASA Contract For Third Lunar Lander Mission

NASA has awarded Firefly Aerospace a $179.6 million contract to deliver its third lunar lander mission. Set to launch in 2028 under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, the mission will explore the Gruithuisen Domes on the moon’s near side, shedding light on their enigmatic formation.

Blue Ghost’s Task

Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander will transport six payloads to the lunar surface for imaging, spectroscopy, and soil sampling. A rover provided by an unnamed industry partner will host some of these instruments, marking Firefly’s first mission to include a mobile robotic explorer.

Unlocking Lunar Secrets

The Gruithuisen Domes, with their silica-rich, granite-like rocks, pose a geological mystery. On Earth, such formations require water and plate tectonics — both absent on the moon. This mission aims to uncover how these unique domes formed, offering valuable insights into lunar history.

“Understanding the formation of the Gruithuisen Domes, as well as the ancient lava flows surrounding the landing site, will help the U.S. answer important questions about the lunar surface,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Third Lunar Lander Mission

This is Firefly’s fourth task order under NASA’s CLPS program, which aims to accelerate lunar exploration through commercial partnerships. The company previously secured contracts for two lunar landers and an orbital calibration mission.

Ghost Riders In the Sky

Firefly’s first lunar mission, Blue Ghost 1, nicknamed “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” is set to launch in mid-January and land in the Mare Crisium region on the moon’s near side roughly 45 days later. Blue Ghost 2 will follow in 2026, targeting a landing on the lunar farside and deploying ESA’s Lunar Pathfinder communications satellite into orbit.

Firefly’s Elytra Dark orbital transfer vehicle will deliver the landers to lunar orbit for the second and third missions. These vehicles will stay in orbit afterwards to provide communications support.

“We have a production line of these landers. What’s great about having a production line of these landers is that you learn from the first lander to the second lander, and then some,” said Jason Kim, Firefly’s chief executive.