Overview
- The LightPort payload will attempt to receive laser‑beamed energy from orbit as a validation step for Volta’s proposed LightGrid lunar power network.
- Firefly says Blue Ghost Mission 2 is bound for the far side, with launch toward the Moon’s south pole targeted by the end of 2026 for an on‑surface test.
- The flight now totals six payloads from five countries, including NASA’s LuSEE‑Night, ESA’s Lunar Pathfinder, the UAE’s Rashid Rover 2, and Fleet Space’s SPIDER.
- The mission will also debut Firefly’s Ocula imaging service using the Elytra Dark vehicle, which will relay communications and then operate in lunar orbit for more than five years to provide UV and visible imaging.
- Firefly reports spacecraft qualification testing is underway with most payloads accepted and tested, and its shares rose about 7% after the announcement.