Griffin-1 ground tests

On 13 October, NASA reported completion of Griffin-1 tests at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Checks began in July and covered vacuum, thermal cycles of roughly +75 to −100°C, vibration, acoustic loads up to 153 decibels, electromagnetic compatibility and mass properties. The spacecraft then returned to Voyager Technologies for final assembly and preparation for shipment to Cape Canaveral.

Preparing for the mission

Griffin-1 is planned to launch later in 2026 on Falcon Heavy. It is intended to deliver more than 455 kg to Nobile crater near the lunar south pole: ten science and technology demonstrators from six countries, including Astrolab’s FLIP rover. Final integration and launch-readiness checks remain ahead of flight.

Sources