AssetID: 54619401
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Firefly Spacecraft Captures Stunning Images Of Lunar Sunset
Caption: Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 has successfully concluded after landing on the Moon, capturing amazing images and 4k video of sunrise, and operating for 14 days. The mission, which carried NASA science and technology demonstrations, ended on 16 March, with scientists continuing to analyse the data returned to Earth. As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and Artemis programme, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar lander delivered 10 NASA science and technology instruments to the Mare Crisium basin on the near side of the Moon. During its time on the lunar surface, the lander captured images and videos, including footage of a total solar eclipse and a sunset. The mission lasted a full lunar day and continued to function for several hours into the lunar night before ceasing operations. “Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 marks the longest surface duration for a commercial mission on the Moon to date, collecting extraordinary scientific data that will benefit humanity for decades to come,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “With NASA’s CLPS initiative, American companies are now at the forefront of an emerging lunar economy, paving the way for the agency’s exploration goals on the Moon and beyond.” All 10 NASA payloads successfully activated, gathered data, and conducted operations on the lunar surface. Throughout the mission, Blue Ghost transmitted 119 gigabytes of data back to Earth, including 51 gigabytes of science and technology data. Each payload was afforded additional opportunities to collect data, including during the eclipse and lunar sunset. “Operating on the Moon is complex, and carrying 10 payloads – more than has ever flown on a CLPS delivery before – makes this mission all the more impressive,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “Teams are now eagerly analysing their data, and we are extremely excited about the scientific findings that will emerge.” The data gathered will provide critical insights into space weather and the lunar environment, supporting planning for future long-duration Artemis surface operations.
Keywords: firefly,feature,video,space,moon,sunset,photo
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