NASA's program using commercial spacecraft for lunar surface payload delivery shows mixed results. While Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost 1 successfully landed, delivering 10 NASA payloads, other missions faced challenges.
Brad Bailey, NASA official, reported six payloads met success criteria, three exceeding expectations. Operational limitations were expected during the lunar midday, resuming toward lunar sunset (March 16). "Overall, it’s been a fabulous, wonderful proof positive that the CLPS model does work,” Bailey stated.
Previous missions encountered difficulties. Astrobotic's Peregrine lander experienced a propulsion failure, preventing a lunar landing. Intuitive Machines' IM-1 landed but on its side, still yielding data. IM-2 also landed sideways, ending operations prematurely due to power and temperature issues. Bailey noted, "I will say that we were able to exercise the NASA payloads that we funded… We also got some really great images from Athena.” The PRIME-1 drill on IM-2 tested operations but couldn't drill into the lunar surface.
Despite setbacks, additional CLPS missions are planned. Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1, carrying SCALPSS, is slated for August. Astrobotic's Griffin lander, originally intended for VIPER, will now carry a Venturi Astrolab rover. NASA issued a call for proposals for VIPER's future deployment, receiving multiple responses, and is now reviewing them.
Challenges extended to the Lunar Trailblazer orbiter, experiencing power and communication issues, hindering its mission to map lunar water ice. While the primary mission is compromised, NASA is exploring future options for the spacecraft.