Swedish Space Corporation uses cookies and similar technologies on its websites. Read our cookie policy. By continuing your browsing after being presented with the cookie information you consent to such use.

OK, I agree
SSC_LogoSSC_LogoSSC_LogoSSC_Logo
  • Services
    • Satellite Ground Network Services
    • Science and Launch Services
    • Spacecraft Operations and Engineering Services
  • SSC Worldwide
    • Esrange Space Center
    • Ground Station Network
    • Network Management Centers
  • News & Activities
    • Press & Media
    • Rocket and balloon activities
    • Safety information Esrange
  • About SSC
    • SSC Company Presentations
    • Sustainability
    • Security
    • Subsidiaries
    • Management & Organization
    • Corporate Governance
    • Finances
    • History
  • Career
    • Job opportunities
    • Work at SSC
    • Student
  • Contact
    • Visitor Center

“Mr Moon” about SSC’s lunar missions

June 2, 2020
Earth from the Moon

The Moon has long fascinated humankind. From the Roman goddesses Juno and Diana to the lunar race in the 50's – many still look up at the Moon with wonder and curiosity. One of them is the "Mr Moon" of SSC, lunar expert Sam Peterson who is an active member of this rapidly developing industry.

Why do we keep aiming for the Moon?

“This is a philosophical question which harkens back to Gene Roddenberry’s ‘To boldly go where no one has gone before.’ The truth is, if you ask the heads of space agencies or the commercial sponsors of upcoming missions, they probably all have different motivations including exploration, economic, scientific, and simply overcoming the challenge. There is no single reason to go to the Moon other than to take the next step in our journey as a species for all of the reasons listed. Of the many missions on the drawing board, I think I am most excited to see how the exploration of the south pole of the Moon develops and the possibility of water/ice and everything that could imply for future space activities.”

How has SSC been involved with these kinds of missions?

“SSC has a rich lunar heritage dating back to the Apollo era. Our Santiago ground station was part of NASA’s tracking station network during the Apollo program. SSC Space U.S. was founded by Apollo 12 mission commander Charles “Pete” Conrad in his vision to develop ‘the telephone company to space’ before the term NewSpace became popular in the media. In recent years, SSC has supported several lunar missions including ESA’s SMART-1, NASA’s LRO, and the SpaceIL Beresheet mission which was the first privately funded spacecraft to reach the moon in 2019. SSC has been involved in all mission phases from designing and building the spacecraft to mission preparation including simulations to the Launch and Early Orbit Phase and routine operations all the way to the end of the mission.”

What does the future look like? Any exciting missions coming up? 

“SSC is continuing to innovate to meet the changing requirements for the next generation of lunar missions. There are many programs that will be taking off in the coming years including the lunar gateway, NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program (CLPS), ESA’s European Space Exploration Envelope Program (E3P), and CSA’s Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP). Starting in 2021, SSC will be supporting lunar missions more than two times each year as we continue to deliver the world’s only proven commercial lunar communications service.”

 

"SSC has a rich lunar heritage
dating back to the Apollo era."

 
 
Sam Peterson

Learn more about

Lunar Services banner

SSC's lunar services

Global Connectivity

SSC's ground network services

News & Activities
Share

Related posts

January 21, 2021

SSC and Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands to Collaborate in Optical Communication


Read more
December 10, 2020

Investing for a Sustainable Future: SSC invests in exciting new UK/Swedish start-up “GlobalTrust”


Read more
November 10, 2020

SSC UK awarded ESA contract to define next generation ground segment connectivity systems for CubeSats and SmallSats


Read more
Miranda Pirrie
October 20, 2020

New Head of SSC’s Satellite Management Services


Read more

Popular

  • Esrange Space Center
  • Ground Station Network
  • Rocket and balloon activities

 

  • News
  • Press & Media
  • Management & Organization

 

  • Job opportunities
  • Contact
  • Finances

Follow us on

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

LinkedIn

© Copyright 2018 - SSC - Swedish Space Corporation | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions