Blue Ghost successfully separated from the Falcon 9 rocket at 2:17 a.m. EST and established communications with Firefly's Mission Operations Center in Cedar Park, Texas shortly after. The spacecraft completed its initial commissioning phase by 5:30 a.m. EST, confirming critical systems are functioning as intended.
Our message is traveling onboard the Firefly's Blue Ghost lander, which is taking a 25-day journey through Earth orbit before heading to the moon. During this initial phase, the spacecraft is performing systems checks while some of its onboard science instruments gather data. After reaching lunar orbit, Blue Ghost will spend 16 days preparing for its landing attempt at Mare Crisium ("Sea of Crises") on the lunar surface. The target landing date is set for March 2, 2025.
The ASPIRE One message represents a collaborative effort to capture 21st century humanity. It includes videos about daily life on Earth, footage documenting the COVID-19 pandemic, constitutions from nations around the world, and various cultural and scientific content. Working with partners like UNESCO and Getty Images, we've assembled content that showcases both our shared experiences and diverse perspectives.
Looking ahead, if all goes according to plan, Blue Ghost will operate on the lunar surface for approximately one lunar day (about two Earth weeks). While the lander's primary mission will conclude when the sun sets over Mare Crisium, our message will remain, waiting to be discovered by future generations.
ASPIRE One marks an important first step for the Interstellar Foundation in continuing the legacy of projects like the Voyager Golden Record, adapting them for our time while making them more inclusive and representative of humanity's collective voice.
