The United States is gearing up for its first moon launch in over 50 years, scheduled for early Monday morning, featuring a unique payload of space burials.
The Astrobotic lunar lander Peregrine is set to lift off around 2:18 a.m. ET atop the United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur Rocket.
This mission is a part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, collaborating with American companies to facilitate commercial deliveries to the moon.
Peregrine will carry a diverse cargo of 20 payloads from governments, companies, universities, and NASA’s CLPS, as outlined on Astrobotic’s website.
NASA will contribute five payloads, including instruments and tools for lunar research.
Notably, the flight will also transport memorials and human remains from space companies such as Celestis and Elysium Space, paying tribute to scientists, friends, family, and public figures, The Hill has reported.
Astrobotic faced recent criticism for its association with these space memorial companies in the weeks leading up to the launch.
Written by B.C. Begley
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B.C. Begley 