Private Lunar Lander Set to Touch Down on March 2, 2025 – Here’s When and How to Watch Live
The Moon, a timeless beacon of human curiosity and dreams, is about to witness a historic moment. Firefly Aerospace’s privately built lunar lander, Blue Ghost, is scheduled to land on its surface on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, this mission carries 10 NASA science experiments and marks a significant step in the growing role of private companies in space exploration. Curious about when it’ll happen and how you can catch it live? Let’s dive into the details of this groundbreaking event.
Blue Ghost Mission
Launched on January 15, 2025, atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Blue Ghost embarked on its lunar journey from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
After entering lunar orbit on February 13, the lander is now poised to touch down in Mare Crisium (Sea of Crises), a massive basin on the Moon’s near side formed by ancient asteroid impacts. This region holds a treasure trove of scientific secrets beneath its surface, and Blue Ghost is designed to unlock them.
Once on the lunar surface, the lander will operate for 14 Earth days—equivalent to one lunar day—conducting experiments on solar wind effects, lunar soil dynamics, and subsurface composition. These findings will pave the way for NASA’s Artemis program and humanity’s long-term ambitions, including a future on Mars.
Landing Time
Blue Ghost is expected to land on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with a targeted touchdown at 3:34 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time), or 8:34 AM UTC. Note that this is a “no earlier than” estimate, meaning the exact time could shift slightly depending on final maneuvers and conditions. Firefly Aerospace and NASA will provide updates closer to the event, so stay tuned for the precise moment this history unfolds.
How to Watch Live
You can witness this milestone from the comfort of home, as Firefly Aerospace and NASA team up to broadcast the landing live. Coverage is set to begin approximately 75 minutes before touchdown, starting at 2:20 AM EST (7:20 AM UTC). The stream will showcase key moments, from the Descent Orbit Insertion to the thrilling lunar touchdown. Here’s where you can catch it:
NASA+: NASA’s free streaming platform will offer high-definition coverage.
Firefly Aerospace YouTube Channel: Tune in to Firefly’s official YouTube page for the live feed.
NASA Website and Social Media: Check the NASA Artemis blog, Twitter, or other platforms for links and real-time updates.
This isn’t the first time a private company has aimed for the Moon, but Blue Ghost’s success could set a new standard. Earlier attempts, like Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander (which faced a technical failure in January 2025), highlight the challenges of lunar missions.
Blue Ghost builds on those lessons with a robust design and a clear mission. It’s also a key piece of NASA’s vision to use the Moon as a stepping stone for Mars, proving that private innovation can fuel humanity’s cosmic journey.
The Journey So Far
-
- Launch: January 15, 2025, via SpaceX Falcon 9 from Florida.
-
- Lunar Orbit Entry: February 13, 2025.
-
- Landing: March 2, 2025, in Mare Crisium.
-
- Mission Duration: 14 Earth days (one lunar day-night cycle).
History
The Blue Ghost landing is more than a scientific endeavor—it’s a moment of inspiration for space enthusiasts and dreamers alike. It reminds us that the final frontier is no longer just for government agencies; private pioneers are carving their place among the stars.
Mark your calendar for March 2, set your alarm for 2:20 AM EST, and watch as Blue Ghost leaves its mark on the lunar dust. Who knows? This small step might just be the foundation for humanity’s next giant leap.