Swedish Space Corporation Enables Seamless Tracking and Communication for Firefly Aerospace’s Lunar Mission

The Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has emerged as a pivotal player in Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, a groundbreaking lunar expedition launched under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. This mission, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 15, 2025, is set to deliver critical scientific payloads to the Moon, paving the way for advanced lunar science and sustainable exploration. SSC's state-of-the-art tracking and communication systems are playing an indispensable role in the mission's success.

Mission Overview: A Leap Toward Lunar Science

Blue Ghost Mission 1 is an integral part of NASA's efforts to establish a long-term lunar presence. The mission aims to deploy ten high-priority science and technology payloads to Mare Crisium, a basin on the Moon's surface. These payloads will conduct experiments on regolith behavior, space weather impacts, radiation-tolerant computing, and lunar dust mitigation, providing valuable insights for future lunar exploration.

The Blue Ghost lander, built by Firefly Aerospace, was launched at 7:11 a.m. CET on January 15 and is expected to reach the Moon in early March after a 45-day journey. Once on the lunar surface, the lander will operate its payloads for approximately 14 Earth days, the equivalent of one lunar day, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure for power generation.

SSC’s Role: The Backbone of Communication

SSC is the exclusive provider of satellite ground station networks for Blue Ghost Mission 1. Leveraging its ground stations in Santiago (Chile), Hawaii, and Australia, along with two partner stations, SSC ensures uninterrupted communication and tracking capabilities throughout the mission. These global tracking services are critical for navigating the spacecraft during its transit and operational phases on the Moon.

Nick Priborsky, President of SSC’s Connect division, highlighted the organization’s comprehensive support:
“We provide all the antennas required to track and communicate with the lander throughout the mission.”

This robust network allows SSC to ensure precise spacecraft positioning and the timely transmission of mission-critical data.

Specifications of SSC’s Ground Station Network

• Antenna Array: High-gain antennas capable of tracking spacecraft at lunar distances.
• Global Coverage: Ground stations strategically located in three continents for seamless communication.
• Real-Time Support: Continuous monitoring and data relay during the 45-day transit and 14-day surface operations.
• High Data Throughput: Enables the transmission of scientific findings, including high-resolution imagery and environmental data.

Collaboration with Firefly Aerospace

SSC’s contribution to the mission extends beyond hardware. Will Coogan, Chief Engineer of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost, acknowledged SSC's indispensable role:
“SSC’s reliable global network provides the pass coverage and communications performance required for the mission.”

Advancing Lunar Exploration

The data collected during this mission will not only advance scientific understanding but also support technological innovations essential for future lunar missions. SSC’s partnership with Firefly Aerospace underscores its commitment to enabling space exploration and scientific discovery.

As the world looks forward to humanity’s return to the Moon, SSC stands at the forefront, ensuring that every step of the journey is meticulously tracked and communicated. Nick Priborsky aptly summed up their involvement:
“We are proud to be a part of Blue Ghost Mission 1 and to support the return to the Moon by providing critical services between Earth and space.”

This mission marks another milestone in SSC’s legacy of supporting cutting-edge space missions, demonstrating its capability to bridge the gap between Earth and the farthest reaches of space.