NASA's ISS research supports lunar exploration technologies

NASA's ongoing research at the International Space Station is significantly boosting lunar exploration efforts. Recently, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission-1 landed on the Moon on March 2, 2025, carrying three key experiments linked to studies conducted on the space station. These experiments aim to enhance technology that will be vital for future Moon missions. The first experiment, named LEXI, studies X-ray emissions to improve understanding of space weather. This data is crucial for protecting lunar infrastructure from solar winds. LEXI operates similarly to a device on the space station and has been calibrated to provide valuable insights. The second experiment, called RadPC, tests radiation-tolerant computing technology. It evaluates how computers can resist and recover from faults caused by radiation. This experiment builds on previous tests conducted in the space station, aiming to develop more robust systems for deep-space missions. The third project, known as LuGRE, focuses on detecting Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals on the lunar surface. Early reports indicate that LuGRE successfully received these signals, marking a significant achievement. This research will help establish reliable navigation methods for future lunar expeditions. The International Space Station continues to be a vital platform for scientific exploration, with its research paving the way for advancements in deep-space technology and lunar exploration.