Precision Lunar Landing
On March 2, 2025, as Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander descended to the Moon’s Mare Crisium, Space-ng’s software dynamically processed camera inputs, identified hazardous terrain, and autonomously redirected the lander—supporting a safe and precise touchdown.
Our Contribution
The Challenge
Unlike Earth, GPS on the Moon is not well understood and traditional radio-based navigation methods are less reliable as a spacecraft approaches the surface. Blue Ghost Mission 1 required a navigation solution to precisely determine position and attitude, identify hazardous terrain, and adapt to unpredictable conditions — ensuring a safe and precise landing within the Moon’s Mare Crisium.
Solving Navigation
Space-ng provided Firefly with a software stack and operations team that supported the lander’s autonomous, precision landing. The Vision Navigation Software (VNS) processes images in real time to precisely determine attitude and position, integrating seamlessly with vehicle guidance and control.
Terrain Relative Navigation
Space-ng’s vision navigation software controls two of Blue Ghost’s navigation cameras and runs on a powerful dedicated processor. Space-ng’s VNS estimates the position and attitude of the spacecraft at 1 Hz by comparing images from the navigation cameras to simulated imagery of the moon that is rendered in real time onboard the spacecraft.
The Descent
Space-ng software processed camera inputs second-by-second, comparing them to a preloaded lunar map and dynamically correcting the vehicle’s navigation solution. In the final moments before touchdown, the software identified previously undocumented hazardous terrain, including slopes, rocks, and craters, and triggered two hazard avoidance maneuvers that autonomously redirected the lander to a safe landing site.