Firefly Aerospace has published the first images of the Moon taken by the Blue Ghost mission. The spacecraft also sent a space valentine to Earth.
From Earth to the Moon
Blue Ghost was developed during the time when the owner of Firefly was Ukrainian entrepreneur and philanthropist Max Polyakov. Ten scientific instruments provided by NASA are on board the spacecraft. Their delivery to the Moon is being covered by a contract issued under the CLPS program.
The vehicle was launched on January 15 and spent nearly a month in Earth orbit. Firefly engineers used this time to check the operation of the probe’s main systems, as well as to fulfill part of the mission’s science objectives. For example, the RadPC radiation-resistant computer installed on board successfully operated during the passage through the radiation belts. And the LMS instrument accurately measured variations in Earth’s magnetosphere, confirming that it will be able to measure magnetic and electric fields on the Moon.
In addition to checking equipment and collecting scientific data, Blue Ghost also took a number of very spectacular selfies and captured a solar eclipse.
Space valentine
In February, Blue Ghost left the vicinity of Earth and began its flight to the Moon. On February 14, the spacecraft performed a successful maneuver that put it into a selenocentric orbit. Shortly thereafter, Firefly Aerospace published images transmitted by the spacecraft showing its approach to the Moon and entry into orbit.
I love you to the Moon, but not back – I'm staying there," 💙 Blue Ghost. We captured our first shots of the Moon following a successful Lunar Orbit Insertion. The lander will soon begin to circularize its orbit in preparation for landing on March 2. #BGM1 pic.twitter.com/2FclZ1hnvb
— Firefly Aerospace (@Firefly_Space) February 14, 2025
The vehicle also took selfies where you can see it against the background of the Moon and the Sun.
In addition to the photos, Blue Ghost sent a space valentine back to Earth. It wished a Happy Valentine’s Day to the company’s employees, their families, investors and all those on Earth who dare to dream big.
In the coming days, Blue Ghost will perform several maneuvers that will round out its orbit. Its moon landing should take place on March 2. Blue Ghost will land near the Mare Crisium, which is located in the northeastern part of the visible side of the Moon. The spacecraft is designed to operate for one lunar day (14 Earth days).
