Blue Origin prepares Endurance lander for radio frequency testing
Updated
Updated · Space.com · May 8
Blue Origin prepares Endurance lander for radio frequency testing
9 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 8
At Lunar Plant 1 near Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the uncrewed Blue Moon MK1 vehicle follows vacuum-chamber tests at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The checks aim to prevent communications interference before flight as Blue Origin targets an uncrewed lunar touchdown later this year carrying two NASA CLPS science payloads.
Endurance is a pathfinder for the astronaut-capable MK2 under NASA's Artemis programme, but progress also depends on further qualifications and Blue Origin's grounded New Glenn rocket.
With its New Glenn rocket grounded, how can Blue Origin's lander still meet its 2026 lunar launch target?
Facing safety gaps and unproven tech, can private landers safely carry astronauts to the Moon by 2028?
Endurance Prepares for Launch: Blue Origin’s 3-Ton Lunar Cargo Lander and Its Role in Artemis
Overview
Blue Origin’s Blue Moon MK1 lander, Endurance, is nearing its launch in Florida after completing key preparations. The team is conducting radio frequency compatibility testing to ensure all communication systems work together without interference, which is vital for mission success. Before this, Endurance passed rigorous thermal vacuum tests at NASA Johnson’s Chamber A, where engineers simulated the harsh space environment to check the lander’s performance and durability. These steps are crucial for confirming Endurance’s readiness to deliver cargo to the Moon, supporting NASA’s Artemis program and paving the way for future human missions.