Firefly Aerospace has partnered with NASA to explore the Gruithuisen Domes on the lunar surface, as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. This $179 million initiative involves delivering the Lunar Vulkan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer (Lunar-VISE) payload, developed by the University of Central Florida, to investigate the unique silica-rich volcanic formations. BAE Systems and Arizona State University designed sophisticated instruments for the Lunar-VISE to analyze lunar regolith over a 10-day period, aiming to provide insights into potential resources for long-term lunar missions.
The mission is particularly relevant as it could clarify the origins of these volcanic domes, which differ from terrestrial formations due to the absence of plate tectonics and oceans on the Moon. Firefly was awarded this task order to ensure the delivery of six experiments to the domes by 2028. The Lunar-VISE team is in the process of integrating their instruments with Firefly’s lunar lander and rover, marking significant progress in their preparations. They expect to complete a critical System Integration and Acceptance Review in August to confirm readiness for the upcoming lunar exploration.
