Lunar Lander Testing Campaign Builds Confidence for Griffin-1 Moon Landing
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 30, 2025

Astrobotic is preparing for the Griffin-1 lunar landing by applying a rigorous "test like you fly" methodology designed to validate every aspect of its Guidance, Navigation, and Control system. Each subsystem, including sensors and flight software, undergoes evaluation in conditions closely mirroring those anticipated during descent and landing on the Moon.

The Griffin-1 GNC integrates Terrain Relative Navigation, LiDAR-based Hazard Detection and Avoidance, and Navigation Doppler LiDAR. All technologies must operate together to achieve a successful touchdown. Astrobotic runs over 1,500 automated tests on its Software-in-the-Loop platform during every mission code update, covering terrain features, light conditions, spacecraft dynamics, and sensor performance. End-to-end simulations recently measured system robustness under varied lunar conditions.

Hardware-in-the-loop tests occur on the Production Flatsat, which links engineering models of avionics, sensors, and actuators to a real-time physics engine. This allows Astrobotic to simulate both normal and anomalous scenarios with flight procedures integrated directly into test operations.

Sensor performance also receives verification with the Mobile Navigation Platform. Extensive field and flight data support closed-loop tests to ensure time synchronization and accurate data reporting across platforms.

Astrobotic's validation campaign focuses on confirming the accuracy of sensors, hazard maps, navigation filters, and guidance algorithms in realistic environments. These steps support the readiness of the Griffin-1 mission as the team approaches launch.

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