SpaceX returns to action tonight as it plans to launch a Falcon 9 carrying two uncrewed lunar landers as part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) program. The 44-minute launch window opens at 1:11 AM EST.

Tonight’s Falcon 9 Booster is B1085, which will be flying for the fifth time. After providing the initial boost for the payload, B1085 plans to touchdown on ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions’, which is positioned downrange in the Atlantic Ocean.

Weather is predicted to be 90% GO during the launch window.

The trajectory is typical for missions to cislunar space:

Payloads

Firefly Blue Ghost Lunar Lander

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander is designed to deliver a suite of scientific instruments and commercial payloads to the Moon’s surface. Developed under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, Blue Ghost aims to demonstrate innovative technologies while advancing lunar science.

Blue Ghost’s mission includes:

• Delivering science experiments and technology demonstrations funded by NASA and commercial partners.
• Testing new systems to support future lunar exploration.
• Gathering data to prepare for sustained human presence on the Moon.

Learn more about the Blue Ghost lander on Firefly Aerospace’s website.

iSpace Hakuto-R Lunar Lander

Joining Blue Ghost is the Hakuto-R lunar lander, developed by iSpace, a Japanese company dedicated to expanding humanity’s presence on the Moon. Hakuto-R is part of iSpace’s bold vision to establish a lunar economy through cargo delivery services and resource utilization.

Key objectives for Hakuto-R include:

• Demonstrating landing and operational capabilities on the lunar surface.
• Delivering payloads for commercial customers.
• Advancing technologies to enable sustainable lunar operations.

For more details about Hakuto-R and iSpace’s ambitions, visit their official website.