.jpg) Artistic Representation ofGriffin lander withVIPER on moon surface, VIPER now moved to Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission II. | |
| Names | CLPS TO 20A |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Lunar landing |
| Operator | Astrobotic Technology |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Griffin |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | July 2026 (Planned) |
| Rocket | Falcon Heavy |
| Launch site | KSC,LC-39A |
| End of mission | |
| Decay date | |
| Moon lander | |
| Landing date | TBA |
Griffin Mission One (also referred to asGriffin-1) is a lunar lander mission developed byAstrobotic Technology as part of NASA'sCommercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The mission aims to deliver a suite of scientific, technological, and cultural payloads to the Moon's South Pole, specifically targeting the Nobile Crater region near Mons Mouton. Scheduled for launch no earlier than July 2026, Griffin-1 is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, supporting lunar science and exploration for future crewed missions.[1][2][3][4][5]
Griffin Mission One is designed to conduct experiments and technology demonstrations focused on lunar resource prospecting, volatile characterization, and surface operations in the rugged terrain of the lunar South Pole. The mission was originally planned to carry NASA'sVolatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER),[6] but following its cancellation in July 2024,[7] the mission was reconfigured with alternative payloads while retaining its CLPS task order.
The mission will launch aboard aSpaceXFalcon Heavy rocket fromLaunch Complex 39A atKennedy Space Center, Florida. The Griffin lander, a medium-class lunar lander, is equipped with advanced autonomous navigation and hazard avoidance systems, enabling precise landings in challenging environments.[8][9]
Griffin-1 carries a diverse set of payload from NASA, ESA, and from other partners:
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