Stay Updated: Firefly’s ‘Blue Ghost’ Lunar Lander Prepares for Historic Moon Landing | CNN

After a long 45 days in space, the Blue Ghost is gearing up for a major event: a soft landing on the moon.

This mission won’t be easy. The spacecraft needs to slow down from thousands of miles per hour, all while navigating around craters and rocky terrain. Precision is key!

Here are the key moments to pay attention to:

• 63 minutes before touchdown: Blue Ghost will perform a “descent orbit insertion.” This involves firing its engines to set the spacecraft on a path toward the lunar surface.
• 62 minutes before touchdown: The craft enters a “coast phase,” where its navigation systems will monitor its position and orientation relative to the moon.
• 11 minutes before touchdown: All thrusters and the main engine kick in. Blue Ghost needs to reduce its speed dramatically, going from about 3,800 miles per hour to around 90 miles per hour.
• 100 seconds before touchdown: The spacecraft should be slowing down to just over 2 miles per hour as it readies for the final dive.
• TOUCHDOWN: Scheduled for 2:34 a.m. CT (3:34 a.m. ET). Firefly will confirm the landing shortly after if everything goes smoothly.
• 30 minutes after touchdown: Firefly aims to share Blue Ghost’s first images from the moon. Expect stunning visuals of the lunar landscape!