Lunar Wave of Exploration Set to Continue with International Commercial and National Landers in 2024
As CLPS provider Intuitive Machines readies for first USA Moon surface mission in 51 years (delivery readiness media teleconference 13 Feb 13:30 EST, launch coverage 14 Feb 00:15 EST), other efforts are also in the pipeline: 8,200-kg CNSA Chang’E-6 is expected to launch to lunar far side (~43.0°S, ~154.0°W) NET May with Queqiao-2 relay orbiter launching NET March; IM-2 may follow with launch to Shackleton connecting ridge (89.5°S, 51.3°W) NET Q2; Firefly Blue Ghost M1 planning NET Q3 launch to Mare Crisium (17.0°N 59.1°E); Astrobotic launching Griffin to Mons Mouton (84.6°S 31.0°W) NET November; ispace Hakuto-R Mission 2 and IM-3 may also launch before EOY