First US moon launch in decades to include ‘space burials’

The first U.S. moon launch in more than 50 years is scheduled to take place early Monday morning with a space burial.

The astronomical lunar lander Peregrine is scheduled to lift off from the top of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket at approximately 2:18 a.m. ET on Monday. The launch is also part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Service (CLPS). CLPS is a program aimed at working with U.S. companies to deliver commercial cargo to the moon.

“We are so excited to see this vision become a reality. CLPS is an innovative way to leverage American companies to send critical science and technology payloads to the Moon,” said NASA Headquarters in Washington. said Nicola Fox, Deputy Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate.

“The Moon is a rich destination for scientific discovery. Studying and sampling the lunar environment will help NASA unravel some of the solar system's greatest mysteries and will benefit everyone.” .”

Peregrine will carry 20 payloads from governments, businesses, universities, and NASA's CLPS, according to the company. Astrobotic website. Sent by NASA Equipped with 5 unique payloadswill include instruments and other tools to help scientists learn more about the Moon.

Space companies like Celestis and Elysium Space send monuments and remains aboard planes to honor scientists, friends, family, and celebrities. Astrobotic has come under fire in recent weeks over its partnerships with two space memorial companies.

Navajo Nation President Boo Nygren sent a letter to NASA last month. approach the agency Delaying the moon launch to consult with the Navajo Nation about concerns about sending human remains to the moon.

“We believe that both NASA and aerospace [Department of Transportation] “They should have consulted us before contracting with a company to transport human remains to the moon or authorizing a launch carrying such a payload,” he wrote at the time.

Astrobotic CEO John Thornton said this Friday, according to NBC News. He was “disappointed” Concerns had not been raised previously.

“I hope we can find a positive path forward with the Navajo Nation,” he said, according to NBC.