Firefly clears preliminary design review for Elytra spacecraft on NASA's MoonFall mission

Firefly Aerospace has completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for its Elytra spacecraft, which will carry four JPL drones to the Moon's south pole for NASA's MoonFall mission by late 2028. The review came less than four months after contract award, with a critical design review, manufacturing and testing still ahead.

• Elytra passed PDR less than four months after the contract was awarded
• The spacecraft will ferry four JPL drones from Earth orbit to lunar orbit and release them over the south pole
• The drones will survey terrain, landing sites and resources for future human missions
• Launch is targeted for late 2028, with CDR, manufacturing and testing still to come