SpaceX to launch Lunar Trailblazer set to unveil hidden water mysteries on the moon

An illustration depicting the Lunar Trailblazer probe exploring the moon to study the abundance, distribution, and cycle of lunar water. (Image: NASA)

A small but powerful spacecraft is set for launch. NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer will soon begin its journey to the moon. Its mission is to find water hidden in lunar rocks. Scientists hope this will reveal new clues about the moon’s history.

The probe is scheduled for liftoff on 26 February. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will carry it from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. Lunar Trailblazer will travel alongside the Athena lunar lander. The mission is led by California Institute of Technology. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is managing operations.

Lunar Trailblazer was built by Lockheed Martin engineers. It is part of NASA’s Small Innovative Missions programme. This 200-kilogram probe uses a new spacecraft design. Its Curio platform is made for deep-space exploration.

The spacecraft carries two key scientific instruments. One is the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper. The other is the Lunar Thermal Mapper from Oxford University. Together, they will scan the moon for water deposits.

The journey to the moon will take up to seven months. Once in orbit, the mission will last at least a year. The spacecraft will eventually crash into the lunar surface.

Scientists want to know how lunar water behaves. The moon’s water cycle is still a mystery. Understanding this could help future human missions. NASA aims to establish a long-term presence on the moon.

Lunar Trailblazer is designed for cost-effective space research. It uses commercial parts instead of custom-built systems. This means the spacecraft has no backup components. Despite this, researchers are confident in its success.

The probe’s findings could change future space exploration. If lunar water can be used, it may support human life. This would also bring us closer to Mars missions. Scientists are eager to see what Lunar Trailblazer discovers.