See Behind the Scenes at the Lab and on the Launch Pad

See Behind the Scenes at the Lab and on the Launch Pad

Preparations are advancing for LifeShip’s upcoming mission to the Moon. Here are a few behind-the-scenes glimpses of what’s in the works…

Preserving DNA

The DNA of LifeShip cosmic explorers already has been on a journey of its own, getting processed, extracted, and preserved in synthetic amber. Check out this video of the action as it takes place at the lab in Berkeley, California.

DNA preservation video

Watch DNA preservation video

Launching a LifeShip Demo Capsule

LifeShip is launching a prototype genetic capsule, like the one that will include the preserved DNA, as part of an upcoming Firefly Aerospace demo launch. 

Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket
Firefly Aerospace prepares its Alpha rocket for launch. Credit: Firefly Aerospace
Firefly’s 95-foot-tall Alpha rocket is preparing for launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California into Low Earth Orbit. 
As part of LifeShip’s mission to preserve life from Earth, our test capsule on this rocket contains the DNA of 450 plant species from around the world. Sending this capsule to space is a first step in progressing toward our mission to the Moon!

Readying the Rocket

Our first mission is scheduled for blast off on a Vulcan Centaur rocket from Cape Canaveral in late 2021. This rocket propels the spacecraft—a lunar lander containing the genetic capsule—beyond Earth’s atmosphere into outer space.

 ULA Vulcan Centaur rocket components

Components of ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. Credit: ULA [modified to include Astrobotic Peregrine lander spacecraft]

At nearly 110-feet tall, the Vulcan Centaur rocket is roughly the size of a blue whale, the largest mammal on Earth!

On this first lunar mission, LifeShip is part of the Arch Mission Lunar Library II on Astrobotic's Peregrine lander. 

LifeShip's capsule contains the DNA of human cosmic explorers, as well as the genes of hundreds of diverse plant and animal species.

Adding New Exciting Missions

We’re excited to announce LifeShip's partnership with Firefly Aerospace! LifeShip will fly on Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander.

Blue Ghost lunar lander

Rendering of the Blue Ghost lunar lander. Credit: Firefly Aerospace

Watching Live

LifeShip cosmic explorers will get VIP invites to watch parties for launch and landing, which will be livestreamed so we can actually see our DNA travel to the Moon.

We’re grateful to be forming this community to continue humanity beyond Earth. Keep reaching for the stars by contributing your unique piece to the code of humanity!


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