SpaceX prepares to launch NASA's Lunar Trailblazer probe to the moon on February 26

space.com February 4, 2025, 10:00 PM UTC

NASA's Lunar Trailblazer probe has arrived at Cape Canaveral, Florida, for its launch on February 26. It will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as a rideshare with the Athena lunar lander. The probe aims to locate ice and liquid water on the moon's surface, particularly in permanently shadowed regions. It will use two scientific instruments to gather data over a year-long mission. Lunar Trailblazer is part of NASA's Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration program. It is designed to be a low-cost mission, utilizing commercial parts and a single-string architecture to reduce expenses.


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