Part 3/7:
One of the vital roles of Blue Ghost is to carry scientific experiments and demonstrate new technologies for future missions. Notably, the mission tested automated landing techniques and navigation, crucial for the success of Artemis. Given the latency in communication between Earth and spacecraft (approximately two seconds), reliance on autonomous systems during landing becomes imperative. Successful autonomous maneuvering ensures safety, especially when pre-programmed landing sites may not be accessible due to unforeseen factors such as terrain irregularities.
Moreover, Blue Ghost is designed for precise landings, critical for exploring more complex surface environments.