Developing — this story is still being verified
Alta-X drone's SPLICE completes simulated lunar landing tests
- The SPLICE experiment completed simulated lunar descent and landing maneuvers on the Alta-X drone.
- SPLICE is an advanced guidance and navigation system developed by NASA's Johnson Space Center.
- The Alta-X drone was near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
- SPLICE aims to enable safe, precise landings on the Moon, Mars, icy worlds and other destinations.
- It is also intended for hard-to-reach and unknown areas of high scientific interest.
What happened
The SPLICE experiment, carried as a payload on the Alta-X drone, has completed successful simulated lunar descent and landing maneuvers in recent testing. The Alta-X drone was near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
What we know
The payload is identified as the SPLICE experiment on the Alta-X drone.
The verified facts associate 2026-08-27 with the Alta-X drone.
The Alta-X drone was near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
SPLICE was developed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
During recent testing, the system finished simulated lunar descent and landing maneuvers successfully.
SPLICE is described as an advanced guidance and navigation system.
It is intended to enable safe and precise landing at the Moon, Mars, icy worlds and other destinations through specialized navigation, guidance and processing techniques.
It is also described as supporting landing in hard-to-reach and unknown areas of high scientific interest.
Why it matters
For readers tracking the lunar industry, the facts show NASA is testing guidance and navigation technology aimed at safe, precise landings on the Moon and other destinations.
The stated capability to land in hard-to-reach and unknown areas of high scientific interest is relevant to lunar landing technology.
What we are not sure about
- The facts do not specify what the date 2026-08-27 refers to.
- No scheduled next step is stated in the verified facts.
Sources
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