Astrobotic Technology

Private companies are exploiting outer space, but the law is struggling to catch up

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Culture, Survival, Apollo, Capsule, International, Committee, Human, DNA, Moon, Arch Mission Foundation, COSPAR, Native, Astrobotic Technology, PPP, NASA, Navajo Nation, EIA, Artifact, International law, Animal, State

The goal was to deposit human remains on the lunar surface, and to release the content of the capsules in space.

Key Points: 
  • The goal was to deposit human remains on the lunar surface, and to release the content of the capsules in space.
  • NASA’s response was telling: they were unable to check the payloads’ contents, as they belonged to a private company.
  • International law needs to promptly and carefully regulate all space activity in order to safeguard the future of space exploration.

Anthropogenic contamination: the human footprint in space

  • Our species’ space footprint can be divided into two broad categories: evidence of human presence in the form of objects or artefacts (including “space junk”), and the release (intentional or unintentional) of biological substances, such as the scattering of human remains in space by private companies like the Arch Mission Foundation.
  • Article IX of the 1967 Outer Space treaty, which applies to all space activities, states that countries must consider the interests of other states when conducting space operations.
  • Accordingly, they must also take steps to avoid the harmful contamination of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.

Space accidents

  • In the 2019 Beresheet accident, a privately funded Israeli spacecraft crashed on the Moon during its landing attempt.
  • It allegedly spilled samples of human DNA along with thousands of tardigrades, tiny invertebrate animals able to survive under extreme conditions that are used in experiments to test the limits of survival in outer space.
  • In this instance, the international laws which exist also to protect the lunar environment from contamination were quite easily evaded, raising serious doubts as to space law’s effectiveness.

Gaps in space law

  • Given the intensifying human presence in space, these need to be promptly addressed, especially in the case of novel privately funded activities like space tourism.
  • It is imperative that states adopt or tighten national laws ensuring that all operators, public and private, conduct activities in line with international space law.
  • Importantly, such laws must also ensure that space operators adhere to environmental protection – for example by carrying out environmental impact assessments (EIA) – to avoid creating additional risks to space activity, as is the case with space debris.


Manolis Plionis has been a member of the independent consultant body: European Space Science Committee, for two terms since 2018. Anthi Koskina no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoría, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y ha declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado.

Karman Space & Defense, A Key Supplier in ULA's Vulcan Rocket Certification Mission (Cert-1)

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Reaction control system, Engineering, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, AI, ULA, NASA, Astrobotic Technology, Assembly, Voyager, Certification, Integration, Knowledge, Science, CLPS, Karman, Communications satellite

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Karman Space & Defense ("Karman"), a leading integrated systems provider for next-generation space, missile, hypersonic and defense programs, is proud to announce its role as a key supplier for the successful inaugural launch of United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan launch vehicle on the first certification mission.

Key Points: 
  • The first certification mission (Cert-1) launched on Jan. 8, 2024, marking a historic milestone with the first launch of ULA's Vulcan rocket.
  • The second payload was the Celestis Memorial Spaceflight's deep space Voyager mission, known as the Enterprise Flight.
  • The successful launch of the Vulcan rocket signifies a remarkable achievement in the decade-long collaboration between Karman and ULA, demonstrating the power of teamwork and innovation in advancing space exploration.
  • For more detailed information about the ULA Cert-1 Mission, please visit ULA's official mission page: ULA Cert-1 Mission

Frontier Aerospace TALOS® Engines Used For Space Exploration

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
NASA, Astrobotic Technology, Purdue University, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Freezing, Communications satellite

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frontier Aerospace, a leader in next-generation liquid rocket engines used for commercial space, exploration, and missile defense, reveals its attitude control and axial thrusters were used during Astrobotic's Peregrine Mission.

Key Points: 
  • MON-25 cold propellant thrusters used in space, an industry-first
    THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frontier Aerospace, a leader in next-generation liquid rocket engines used for commercial space, exploration, and missile defense, reveals its attitude control and axial thrusters were used during Astrobotic's Peregrine Mission.
  • Frontier Aerospace provided a complete flight set of Thruster Advancement for Low-Temperature Operations in Space (TALOS®) attitude control and axial thrusters for the Peregrine Lunar Lander .
  • "Their contributions have accelerated the realization of this technology and strengthened the collaborative spirit that defines space exploration.
  • The mission marked the first time cold propellant engines, using MON-25, were used for an exploration mission.

NASA Science, Astrobotic Peregrine Mission One Concludes

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 19, 2024
Multimedia, Science, LRA, Spacecraft, NASA Headquarters, Peregrine, CLPS, NASA, EST, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Science Mission Directorate, Moon, Astrobotic Technology, Artemis, Communications satellite

After 10 days and 13 hours in space, Astrobotic's Peregrine Mission One made a controlled re-entry on Earth over open water in the South Pacific at approximately 4:04 p.m. EST on Jan. 18.

Key Points: 
  • After 10 days and 13 hours in space, Astrobotic's Peregrine Mission One made a controlled re-entry on Earth over open water in the South Pacific at approximately 4:04 p.m. EST on Jan. 18.
  • There are seven additional CLPS deliveries awarded to multiple American companies, with more awards expected this year and for years to come.
  • Following a successful launch and separation from the rocket on Jan. 8, the spacecraft experienced a propulsion issue preventing Peregrine from softly landing on the Moon.
  • "Astrobotic's Peregrine mission provided an invaluable opportunity to test our science and instruments in space, optimizing our process for collecting data and providing a benchmark for future missions," said Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Next Generation Vulcan Rocket

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 8, 2024
ULA, SMART, Workforce, EST, Astrobotic Technology, Science, United Launch Alliance, Amazon, Certification, NASA, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Kuiper, Centaur, CLPS, Voyager, Orbit, Space launch, Communications satellite

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla., Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United Launch Alliance (ULA) marked the beginning of a new era of space capabilities with the successful launch of its next generation Vulcan rocket on Jan. 8 at 2:18 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Vulcan rocket provides industry leading capabilities to deliver any payload, at any time, to any orbit.

Key Points: 
  • CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla., Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United Launch Alliance (ULA) marked the beginning of a new era of space capabilities with the successful launch of its next generation Vulcan rocket on Jan. 8 at 2:18 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
  • The Vulcan rocket provides industry leading capabilities to deliver any payload, at any time, to any orbit.
  • "Vulcan's inaugural launch ushers in a new, innovative capability to meet the ever-growing requirements of space launch," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO.
  • ULA has sold more than 70 Vulcan launches to date, including 38 missions for Amazon's Project Kuiper and multiple national security space launch missions as the part of the country's Phase 2 launch procurement.

Peregrine space launch: British-Ukrainian sends moon-bound tribute to Ukraine - ahead of ambitious moon rover launch

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 8, 2024
Moon, Astrobotic Technology, Map, Blockchain, United Launch Alliance, COVID-19, Multimedia, Asa, TLR, Japanese destroyer Asagumo, NASA, Vulcan Centaur, Temperature, Metal, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Communications satellite

The Spacebit Asagumo moon rover launch is scheduled within a year.

Key Points: 
  • The Spacebit Asagumo moon rover launch is scheduled within a year.
  • Spacebit is sending a Ukraine metallic embossed flag that includes a map of the country in solidarity with Ukrainian people.
  • Peregrine Mission One or the Peregrine Lunar Lander is a lunar lander built by Astrobotic Technology, that was selected through NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services.
  • It is scheduled to be launched January 8, 2024 by United Launch Alliance aboard a Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle.

Peregrine space launch: British-Ukrainian sends moon-bound tribute to Ukraine - ahead of ambitious moon rover launch

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 8, 2024
Moon, Astrobotic Technology, Map, Blockchain, United Launch Alliance, COVID-19, Asa, TLR, Japanese destroyer Asagumo, NASA, Vulcan Centaur, Temperature, Metal, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Communications satellite

The Spacebit Asagumo moon rover launch is scheduled within a year.

Key Points: 
  • The Spacebit Asagumo moon rover launch is scheduled within a year.
  • Spacebit is sending a Ukraine metallic embossed flag that includes a map of the country in solidarity with Ukrainian people.
  • Peregrine Mission One or the Peregrine Lunar Lander is a lunar lander built by Astrobotic Technology, that was selected through NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services.
  • It is scheduled to be launched January 8, 2024 by United Launch Alliance aboard a Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle.

PHOOZY TO THE MOON: BRAND SELECTED FOR PEREGRINE MISSION ONE

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 4, 2024
ULA, Astrobotic Technology, Space Center Houston, Partnership, United Launch Alliance, Ocean, NASA, Peregrine, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Moon, Apollo program, Communications satellite

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PHOOZY, maker of thermal protective cases for tech, announces today its participation in the Peregrine Lunar Lander launch via a partnership with the Conrad Challenge, an innovation competition at Space Center Houston.

Key Points: 
  • PHOOZY, maker of thermal protective cases for tech, announces its participation in the Peregrine Lunar Lander launch.
  • Slated to be among the first commercial lunar landers to soft land on the Moon, Peregrine is carrying cargo from NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and other customers.
  • "This mission is an incredible way to showcase our thermal and antimicrobial technologies protecting the digital memory storage inside of the Peregrine Lunar Lander for the Conrad Foundation."
  • Beyond PHOOZY's participation in the Peregrine Mission, the brand has a long history with NASA-derived technologies.

Astrobotic Uses Ansys to Prepare for Historic Lunar Mission

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Shock, STK, Astrobotic Technology, Ansys HFSS, DME, ANSYS, NASA, Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Peregrine, Radiation, Light, Navigator, CLPS, Vibration, Radio, Transport, Spacecraft, Moon, Automation, Artemis, Orbit, Environment, Risk management

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leveraging Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS) DME and multiphysics simulation solutions, Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander is poised to make one of the first CLPS deliveries to the Moon. Scheduled to launch early January and land late February, Peregrine will ferry 20 payloads from seven countries and will help NASA explore the lunar surface to prepare for human missions as part of the Artemis program.

Key Points: 
  • Using Ansys Thermal Desktop , Astrobotic analyzed the complex cislunar orbit and trajectory options across diverse thermal environments and spacecraft altitudes.
  • "Ansys solutions helped us design and validate an innovative lander within a strict mission timeline that a manual approach would not have met," said Sharad Bhaskaran, mission director, Astrobotic.
  • Space Exploration Engineering (SEE), an aerospace firm specializing in planning space missions, mission analysis, and flight dynamics, leveraged Ansys' DME capabilities to support the mission.
  • Using Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK), SEE experts worked as part of the Astrobotic Flight Dynamics team to plan Peregrine's mission, trajectory, and maneuvers.

Privatised Moon landings: the two US missions set to open a new era of commercial lunar exploration

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Neutron, Proton, Astrobotic Technology, Science, Astronaut, Sunlight, Electron, Depression, Nova-C, Mare Imbrium, Aeon, Gruithuisen Domes, Human, NASA, Sticky, Name, Light, Water, GCR, System, Intuitive Machines, CLPS, Radio, Spacecraft, Solar System, Gruithuisen, International Lunar Observatory, Radiation, Orbit, Environment, Communications satellite

Two commercial spacecraft are scheduled to launch to the Moon early in 2024 under a Nasa initiative called the Commercial Lunar Payload Service CLPS.

Key Points: 
  • Two commercial spacecraft are scheduled to launch to the Moon early in 2024 under a Nasa initiative called the Commercial Lunar Payload Service CLPS.
  • This programme is intended to kickstart a commercial transportation service that can deliver Nasa experiments and other payloads to the lunar surface.
  • If successful, these missions will represent the first landings on the Moon by spacecraft designed and flown by private companies.
  • They could potentially open up a new era of commercial lunar exploration and science.
  • These solar energetic particle events (SEPs) are more likely to occur during the Sun’s peak of activity (solar maximum), which occurs every 11 years.
  • During periods of lower solar activity (including the solar minimum), the Sun’s magnetic field, which extends throughout the Solar System, weakens.
  • This is important for examining how dangerous the radiation environment at the lunar surface will be for future human explorers.

Polar landing

  • It is designed by Houston-based Intuitive Machines and has a similar volume to Peregrine, but in the shape of a tall, hexagonal cylinder.
  • Other instruments include a suite of cameras for producing a 3D image of Nova-C’s landing site.
  • This will allow scientists to estimate how much material is blown away by the landing rocket’s exhaust plume during the descent.
  • The “radio observations of the lunar surface photo-electron sheath” (Rolses) instrument is designed to measure how the extremely tenuous lunar atmosphere and the Moon’s surface dust environment affect radio waves.
  • A privately built experiment onboard Nova-C is the International Lunar Observatory ILO-X, which will aim to capture some of the first images of the Milky Way galaxy from the Moon’s surface.

Landing locations

  • Peregrine’s landing site is a bay on the west side of Mare Imbrium, known as Sinus Viscositatis (Bay of Stickiness).
  • Here, two volcanic mountains called the Gruithuisen Domes are made of a different material to the surrounding plains.
  • The landing location for Nova-C is Malapert A crater – which is of particular interest for lunar exploration, as it lies close to the Moon’s south pole.
  • Consequently, it is one of the coldest locations in the Solar System and, given the lack of sunlight, a place where water ice delivered by comets hitting the surface over the aeons could remain stable.
  • Several other companies are due to launch their first payloads to the Moon in the next couple of years.
  • With greater input from private companies – assuming the these first few missions succeed – we may soon witness a new era in lunar exploration.


The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.