![]() Artistic Representation of Griffin lander with VIPER on moon surface, VIPER now moved to Blue Moon Pathfinder Mission II. | |
Names | CLPS TO 20A |
---|---|
Mission type | Lunar landing |
Operator | Astrobotic Technology |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | Griffin |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | December 2025 (Planned) |
Rocket | Falcon Heavy |
Launch site | KSC, LC-39A |
End of mission | |
Decay date | |
Moon lander | |
Landing date | TBA |
Griffin Mission One (also referred to as Griffin-1) is a lunar lander mission developed by Astrobotic Technology as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The mission aims to deliver a suite of scientific, technological, and cultural payloads to the Moon's South Pole, specifically targeting the Nobile Crater region near Mons Mouton. Scheduled for launch no earlier than December 2025, Griffin-1 is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, supporting lunar science and exploration for future crewed missions. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Griffin Mission One is designed to conduct experiments and technology demonstrations focused on lunar resource prospecting, volatile characterization, and surface operations in the rugged terrain of the lunar South Pole. The mission was originally planned to carry NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) [6] , but following its cancellation in July 2024 [7] , the mission was reconfigured with alternative payloads while retaining its CLPS task order.
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The Griffin lander, a medium-class lunar lander, is equipped with advanced autonomous navigation and hazard avoidance systems, enabling precise landings in challenging environments. [8] [9]
Griffin-1 carries a diverse set of payload from NASA, ESA, and from other partners: