Launch

Astrobotic Griffin to attempt Nobile Crater / Moon South Pole landing with Astrolab FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover; originally slated to carry with NASA Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER).

Uncrewed 1st test flight for Gaganyaan orbital mission scheduled to occur before end of year, will carry fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster); 1st crewed flight planned for 2026. Will launch aboard a Human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (HLVM3). Re-entering capsule will slow to 8m / sec before landing.