Blue Ghost Initiates 9-Minute Power Descent For Rapid Speed Reduction

This image provided by Firefly Aerospace on Feb. 26, 2025 shows Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander orbiting the moon. (Firefly Aerospace via AP)

Blue Ghost is currently in the process of executing a 9-minute long 'power descent initiation' as part of its landing procedure. This critical maneuver involves igniting the vehicle's engine to rapidly reduce its speed. The spacecraft needs to decelerate from a staggering speed of nearly 4,000 miles per hour to just a few miles per hour before it touches down.

Critical maneuver involves igniting the spacecraft's engine.

Power descent initiation reduces Blue Ghost's speed rapidly.

Deceleration from 4,000 mph to just a few mph is necessary.