With an aim to collect crucial data & advance lunar exploration, NASA has launched its latest science & technology experiments to the Moon.

“With each CLPS mission, the United States is leading the way in expanding our reach and refining our capabilities, turning what was once dreams into reality,” said NASA acting administrator Janet Petro in a statement.

“These science and technology demonstrations are more than payloads – they represent the foundation for future explorers who will live and work on the Moon. By partnering with American industry, we are driving innovation, strengthening our leadership in space, and preparing for sending humans farther into the solar system, including Mars,” she added.

NASA’s CLPS mission will test new technologies on the moon. This includes studying gases in lunar soil for exploring resource use. A laser Retroflector Array on the lander will act as one of the navigation markers for future spacecraft by reflecting laser signals.

Other instruments will demonstrate a strong surface communication system while a specialized propulsive drone will be deployed for deploying to hop across the lunar surface.

NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft that was launched as a rideshare with the IM-2 mission has started its journey to the lunar orbit for mapping the water distribution on the Moon.