Summary of the Contracted Deliveries of NASA Payloads to the Moon Via Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
Julie Schonfeld
Abstract
NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative allows rapid acquisition of lunar delivery services from US companies for payloads that advance capabilities for scientific, technological, or commercial development of the Moon [1]. In conjunction with instrument development efforts within NASA, academia, industry, and international partners, a considerable variety of payloads have been delivered to CLPS vendors or are in the process of development. A total of 9 task orders (TOs) have been awarded via a competitive process among a pool of 14 companies that will result in lunar landings at widely distributed sites across the surface of the Moon, including the south polar region and the far side. This paper identifies the missions and the payloads that are currently in work.