The Astrobotic Peregrine lunar lander flight model was revealed this week during a visit by top NASA and government officials to the company’s headquarters. The flight model that you see here will be transported to the Moon atop a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket. A launch date is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year, and once confirmed, Peregrine becomes the first lander in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative to unveil its flight model.
Peregrine is being housed at Astrobotic’s Pittsburgh, PA, headquarters, which spans around 50,000 square feet, all of which is dedicated to developing as well as operating lunar spacecraft. Since the flight model must be kept free of contamination of sensitive spacecraft components, everyone in attendance was required to suit up in white coveralls and hairnets before entering the cleanroom. Peregrine would fit quite nicely next to Lockheed Martin’s lunar rover.
- Features a detailed replica of the Eagle lunar lander with a depiction of the lunar surface, with a crater, footprints and a U.S. flag
- This modular model features a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads and panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and a movable ladder
- The ascent stage has a detailed interior with room for 2 astronauts. The model is finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander nameplate
This lunar lander build is a dream come true. This is why our company was founded 15 years ago. It represents the culmination of countless hours over many years by hundreds of people to design and assemble the lander, to create the lunar delivery market, and to establish the facilities and supply chain needed to ensure the success of commercial space missions like Peregrine’s long into the future,” said John Thornton, CEO of Astrobotic.
