Tech developed in Colorado is set to embark on an exciting journey to the moon, thanks to a collaboration between Lockheed Martin, Cal-Tech, and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This mission aims to deploy an orbiter that will collect critical data to aid future lunar exploration and potential interplanetary missions. A key focus of the mission will be to map the presence of water on the moon, which could support extended human habitation or facilitate future space travel.
Lockheed Martin’s Colorado facility has a rich track record of developing innovative technologies for space missions. However, as Whitley Poyser, the Director of Deep Space Exploration, noted, this mission stands out from their usual projects. “While we have executed large flagship missions and medium-sized frontier initiatives, this is a smaller, faster mission with the potential for significant impact,” Poyser stated.
The Lunar Trailblazer, while compact, embodies a strategic shift towards more agile space research. Poyser emphasized the importance of understanding our solar system’s dynamics to prepare for future exploration. “Without knowing our current standing and how we arrived here, it becomes challenging to anticipate our next steps,” he remarked.
According to Trevor Merkley, the Lead Systems Engineer for the Lunar Trailblazer, the mission’s primary objective is to identify the locations and compositions of water and water-like substances on the moon. “This data will be crucial for enabling future crewed flights to the lunar surface,” Merkley explained.
Once launched, the Lunar Trailblazer will take several months to reach orbit and begin its scientific observations over the subsequent year. “Our first priority post-launch is establishing communication with the spacecraft to ensure all systems are operational. Following that, we will initiate our circularization campaign to achieve our designated science orbit, where we will conduct observations with our two onboard instruments,” Merkley detailed.
The Lunar Trailblazer is scheduled to be transported to Florida next week, where it will join another lunar mission slated for launch in the coming month. “It’s incredible to think that something we’ve worked hard on will be up there in the sky, orbiting the moon,” Merkley reflected.
