Mission
Launch of NASA's Lunar Flashlight Mission
When:
Scheduled for Dec. 10 at 11:38 p.m. PST (Dec. 11 at 2:38 a.m. EST)Where:
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FloridaTarget Audience:
General PublicOverview:
Update: Dec. 8, 2022 – The launch of NASA's Lunar Flashlight mission has been rescheduled for Dec. 10 at 11:38 p.m. PST (Dec. 11 at 2:38 a.m. EST).
NASA’s Lunar Flashlight mission – a small satellite that will seek out water ice inside the Moon's darkest craters – is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida no earlier than Nov. 22, 2022.
The spacecraft will send infrared laser pulses to the Moon's surface to measure how much light is reflected back. Scientists can use these measurements to determine which areas of the lunar surface contain frost and which are dry. This information could be key for future crewed missions to the Moon, when water will be a precious resource.
Learn more about the mission and explore related education resources at the links below.
Education Resources:
Educator Resources
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Lunar Logic: A 'Pi in the Sky' Math Challenge
In this illustrated math problem, students use the mathematical constant pi to calculate the area covered by a laser used to detect frost on the Moon's surface.
Subject Math
Grades 7-8
Time 30-60 mins
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All Moon Lessons for Educators
Teach students all about the Moon with these standards-aligned STEM lessons for educators.
Grades K-12
Time Varies
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CollectionRocketry Lessons for Educators
Get students exploring the science and engineering of rockets and rocket launches with this collection of standards-aligned lessons.
Student Resources
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Make a Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator - NEW for 2023
Like a decoder wheel for the Moon, this calendar will show you where and when to see the Moon and every moon phase throughout the year.
Subject Science
Grades K-12
Time 30-60 mins
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All Moon Activities for Students
Make a moon phases calendar, moon crater, lunar rover and more with these activities all about Earth's moon.