The launch of Astrobotic Technology's Griffin-1 commercial lunar lander aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket has been delayed, with the company now targeting a launch window in July 2026. The mission, which was previously aiming for a launch at the end of 2025, marks Astrobotic's second attempt at a lunar landing following the unsuccessful Peregrine Mission One in January 2024.
Details of the Delay and Mission Status
Astrobotic, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, announced the delay to allow their engineers the necessary time to finalize the propulsion system integration and qualify the lander's engines. The experience gained from the propellant leak that caused the failure of the Peregrine lander has led to an increased focus on rigorous ground testing and flight-like rehearsals for the larger Griffin-1.
Key Progress and Status:
Propulsion System: The primary focus for the delay. The lander's propulsion system uses four high-performance Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV) propellant tanks. Engine qualification testing is currently underway.
Structural Integration: The core structure of the Griffin-1 lander is nearing full integration, with components like pressurant tanks, ramps, attitude control thrusters, and solar panels having successfully completed fit checks.
Avionics: In-house designed avionics flight hardware has been assembled and accepted for flight, forming the backbone of the lander's control and telemetry systems.
Testing and Simulation: Astrobotic has completed a "fully closed-loop simulation" of the descent and landing sequence, utilizing its LunaRay software to test the Terrain Relative Navigation and Hazard Detection & Avoidance algorithms critical for an autonomous lunar touchdown.
The Griffin-1 Mission
Griffin-1 is a key part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which aims to leverage private industry to deliver science instruments and technology demonstrations to the Moon in support of the Artemis program.
| Feature | Detail |
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Falcon Heavy |
| New Target Launch | Net (No Earlier Than) July 2026 |
| Launch Site | Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A), Kennedy Space Center, Florida |
| Lander | Astrobotic's medium-sized Griffin lander |
| Landing Target | The Nobile Crater region near the Moon's South Pole |
| Primary Payloads | Astrolab's FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover and Astrobotic's own CubeRover (BEACON) |
The mission will deliver the Astrolab's FLIP rover, which is deep into its own developmental thermal vacuum and integrated functional tests. The FLIP rover will demonstrate critical technologies for telerobotic operations and lunar mobility.
Context of Lunar Program Delays
The multiple delays experienced by the Griffin mission are part of a broader trend within the lunar exploration sector.
Prior Delays: The initial timing of Griffin-1 was partially dependent on the readiness of its smaller predecessor, the Peregrine lander, which itself faced delays due to issues with its original launch vehicle's engine development.
VIPER Rover Change: Griffin-1 was originally contracted to carry NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER). However, the VIPER mission was canceled in 2024, leading Astrobotic to repurpose the payload slot for commercial rovers. The task order for Griffin was reconfigured to continue as a lander and engine flight demonstration.
CLPS Scrutiny: The CLPS program has faced increased scrutiny due to early setbacks, including the Peregrine failure and other private lander mishaps. Astrobotic's ability to successfully recover and fly the Griffin-1 mission is viewed as a critical test for both the company and the overall CLPS framework.
The revised July 2026 target aims to give Astrobotic the necessary time to ensure the highest probability of success for their demanding precision landing mission to the lunar south pole.