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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Maleic Anhydride Graft Polyolefins Market to Reach $2.5 Billion by 2034, Driven by 7.5% CAGR and Rising Demand for Advanced Polymers
Maleic Anhydride Graft Polyolefins (MAGPOs) Market Research Report Overview 2025-2034 Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introduction The global market for Maleic Anhydride Graft Polyolefins (MAGPOs) is undergoing significant growth driven by the increasing adoption of advanced polymer materials across multiple end-use industries. Valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, the MAGPO market is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, reaching an estimated $2.5 billion by 2034. This robust growth is fueled by rising demand in industries such as automotive, construction, packaging, and electronics, where the unique properties of MAGPOs offer critical performance advantages. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: Market Segmentation By Product Type The market is broadly segmented into: Maleic Anhydride Modified Polypropylene (MAPP) Maleic Anhydride Modified Polyethylene (MAMPE) Among these, MAPP dominates with approximately 50% market share due to its superior mechanical properties and excellent adhesion characteristics. These attributes make MAPP especially desirable in automotive and consumer goods manufacturing, where lightweight and durable materials are essential to meet stringent fuel efficiency and emission standards. MAMPE holds around 30% of the market share, with growing popularity in packaging and construction sectors. Its chemical resistance and flexibility enable innovative uses, particularly in lightweight packaging films and moisture-resistant construction composites. By Application Applications of MAGPOs are diverse, reflecting the material's versatility: Automotive (25%): Increasing automotive production and demand for lightweight composites to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions drive this segment. MAGPOs are widely used in automotive bumpers, panels, and interior components due to their bonding capabilities and mechanical strength. Construction (20%): The sector benefits from MAGPOs in concrete additives, sealants, and composites that enhance durability and moisture resistance. Electrical & Electronics (15%): Demand for lightweight, durable, and electrically insulating materials in electronics and electrical applications is steadily increasing. Packaging (20%): Growth in sustainable and lightweight packaging materials, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory pressure, is a key growth factor. Adhesives & Sealants (10%) and Consumer Goods (5%): These smaller but growing segments see MAGPOs used in bonding agents and multifunctional consumer products. By End-User Industry Automotive Industry: Propelled by regulatory demands for emissions reduction and electrification, the automotive sector remains a critical driver for MAGPOs adoption. Building and Construction: Infrastructure growth and sustainable construction practices promote the use of high-performance materials containing MAGPOs. Electronics and Electricals: Advances in smart devices increase the need for innovative materials with multifunctional properties. Healthcare: Growing investments in medical devices and healthcare infrastructure create emerging opportunities for MAGPOs with specialized functionalities. By Technology Reactive Extrusion (60%): The dominant technology segment due to efficient processing and superior material modification capabilities. Solution Process (40%): Gaining traction for niche applications requiring highly specific grafting functions. By Distribution Channel Direct Sales (40%): Preferred by manufacturers for tailored customer engagement and stronger relationships. Distributors/Wholesalers (35%): Crucial for wide geographic reach and market penetration. Online Retail (25%): Rapidly growing due to convenience and expanding e-commerce adoption. Browse full Report - Market Dynamics Growth Drivers The MAGPO market is primarily driven by the automotive sector's shift toward lightweight, fuel-efficient materials. Maleic anhydride graft polyolefins offer enhanced adhesion properties and compatibility with diverse substrates, which are essential in composite manufacturing to improve vehicle performance and meet environmental regulations. Technological advancements in polymer chemistry and processing techniques, especially reactive extrusion, are enabling manufacturers to tailor material properties to specific applications. This versatility broadens MAGPOs' usability across various industries. Environmental sustainability is a major trend shaping the market. As global regulatory frameworks tighten, industries are turning toward eco-friendly composites and sustainable materials. MAGPOs, with their ability to improve the performance of recyclable and biodegradable polymers, align well with this transition. Economic recovery and infrastructure investments, particularly in emerging regions, further bolster demand in construction and industrial applications. Market Challenges Despite its promising outlook, the MAGPO market faces several challenges: Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain complexities can cause raw material shortages and delays, impacting production timelines. Raw Material Price Volatility: Fluctuating petrochemical feedstock prices increase manufacturing costs and reduce profit margins. Regulatory Hurdles: Compliance with stringent environmental standards requires ongoing investment in R&D, which can be a barrier, especially for smaller players. Competition from Alternative Modifiers: Emerging polymer modifiers that offer similar or improved performance at competitive costs threaten MAGPO market share. Growth Opportunities The shift toward eco-conscious consumerism presents opportunities to develop sustainable product formulations using MAGPOs. Companies investing in research and development to create biodegradable and renewable polymer composites will likely gain competitive advantage. Emerging manufacturing methods such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing create new application possibilities for MAGPOs, allowing precise customization of material properties for specialized uses. Collaborations between industry and academia in polymer innovation could accelerate the discovery of novel applications and environmentally friendly alternatives. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa provide untapped potential driven by urbanization and industrialization, albeit with some regional economic and regulatory challenges. Buy Now : Regional Analysis Asia-Pacific Dominating the global MAGPO market with approximately 45% revenue share in 2024, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% through 2034. This growth is fueled by: Rapid industrialization and urbanization Strong automotive and construction sectors Favorable government policies supporting polymer manufacturing Increasing adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies China, India, Japan, and South Korea are key contributors in this region. North America Holding around 25% market share in 2024, North America benefits from: A robust automotive industry integrating lightweight materials Strong R&D infrastructure fostering innovation Steady demand from construction and electronics sectors The region is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period. Europe Europe's share is estimated at 20% in 2024, with a CAGR of about 6.2% through 2034. Growth drivers include: Mature regulatory environment encouraging sustainable materials Adoption of MAGPOs in eco-friendly automotive and construction materials Increasing consumer awareness and demand for green products Emerging Regions Latin America and Africa are emerging markets with potential growth in construction and industrial applications. However, challenges such as economic instability, political issues, and infrastructure gaps remain. Key players dominating the market include: BASF DOW ExxonMobil Eastman Chemical Company Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Huntsman Corporation RÜTGERS Group Polynt-Reichhold Hexion Inc. LG Chem Sabic Arkema RMT Global Partners Tianjin Tianshihua Chemical Co., Ltd. These companies focus on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding manufacturing capacities to maintain competitive advantage. Recent developments such as BASF's launch of advanced MAGPO products and DOW's strategic partnerships exemplify efforts to capitalize on evolving market needs. Recent Market Developments 1. BASF – Advanced Polymer Science for Automotive Applications In September 2023, BASF launched a new line of maleic anhydride graft polyolefins designed to enhance performance in automotive applications. These advanced polymers aim to improve adhesion and durability under extreme conditions, making them ideal for automotive parts such as bumpers and panels. The development underscores BASF's commitment to innovation in polymer science, aligning with the automotive industry's shift towards lightweight and durable materials. 2. Dow – Strategic Partnership for Electric Vehicle Components In August 2023, Dow entered into a strategic partnership with a leading automotive manufacturer to develop advanced maleic anhydride graft polyolefins for electric vehicle (EV) components. This collaboration focuses on creating lightweight materials that meet the stringent performance requirements of EVs. The partnership positions Dow at the forefront of the growing EV market, addressing the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials in the automotive sector. 3. Polynt-Reichhold – Expansion in Asian Markets In July 2023, Polynt-Reichhold announced plans to expand its production facilities for maleic anhydride graft polyolefins in India. This strategic move aims to cater to the rapidly growing demand in the Asian markets, particularly in sectors like automotive and construction. The expansion is expected to enhance supply chain efficiencies and strengthen Polynt-Reichhold's market presence in the region. 4. Huntsman Corporation – Merger to Enhance R&D Capabilities In June 2023, Huntsman Corporation announced its merger with another key chemical manufacturer specializing in polyolefins. This merger is set to create a larger entity with enhanced resources devoted to research and development in maleic anhydride graft polyolefins. The combined capabilities are expected to lead to groundbreaking innovations, strengthening Huntsman's position in the competitive landscape of the MAGPOs market. 5. Eastman Chemical Company – Technological Advancement for Sustainability In May 2023, Eastman Chemical Company unveiled a breakthrough technology for the production of maleic anhydride graft polyolefins that significantly reduces emissions and enhances energy efficiency during manufacturing processes. This technological advancement aligns with global sustainability trends, positioning Eastman as a leader in producing eco-friendly and high-performance materials. This report is also available in the following languages : Japanese (無水マレイン酸グラフトポリオレフィン市場), Korean (말레산 무수물 그래프트 폴리올레핀 시장), Chinese (马来酸酐接枝聚烯烃市场), French (Marché des polyoléfines greffées à l'anhydride maléique), German (Markt für Maleinsäureanhydrid-Pfropfpolyolefine), and Italian (Mercato delle poliolefine innestate con anidride maleica), etc. Get a Sample PDF Brochure: More Research Finding – Polyolefins MarketThe global polyolefins market is projected to reach USD 346.75 billion by 2029 from USD 132.30 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 12.9 % from 2022 to Single Use Tubing MarketThe global single-use tubing market is valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 8.1%. Plastic Additives MarketThe global plastic additives market is poised to reach approximately $54 billion in 2024, driven by increasing demand across industries such as packaging, automotive, and construction. As sustainability gains prominence, the market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 5.8% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching $92 billion by Maleic Anhydride Graft Polyolefins MarketThe global market for Maleic Anhydride Graft Polyolefins (MAGPOs) is valued at approximately $1.2 billion. The market is poised for significant growth, with a projected value of around $2.5 billion by 2034, driven by increasing demand in industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging. The expected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the period 2025–2034 is approximately 7.5%. Deuterated Polymers MarketThe global deuterated polymers market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated market value of $540 million in 2024. The market is projected to expand to approximately $1.2 billion by 2034, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 8.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to Breather Membranes for Buildings MarketThe global breather membranes market for buildings is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating an expansion to around $2.5 billion by 2034, driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient construction and sustainable building practices. The market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to Maleic Anhydride Graft Polymer MarketThe maleic anhydride graft polymer market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion, driven by its diverse applications across industries such as automotive, packaging, and construction. The market is forecasted to reach $2.4 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. This equates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7.2% over the 2025–2034 Bio-based Polyethylene Furanoate PEF MarketThe global market for bio-based Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) is valued at approximately $215 million, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable materials. The market is projected to reach around $1.1 billion by 2034, fueled by increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and the shift towards a circular economy. This growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 17.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to Wet-Process Battery Separators MarketThe global wet-process battery separators market is valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2024, with a projected market value of $3.2 billion by 2034. This growth reflects an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2025 to Very Low Density Polyethylene VLDPE MarketThe Global Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE) market is poised to reach a value of approximately $9.7 billion in 2024, driven by robust demand across sectors such as packaging, agriculture, and consumer goods. By 2034, the market is projected to expand significantly, potentially exceeding $15.3 billion. This growth trajectory indicates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 4.6% from 2025 to Agricultural Films MarketThe global agricultural films market is projected to reach a value of approximately $14 billion in 2024, driven by increasing adoption of innovative farming practices and a growing emphasis on crop yield efficiency. The market is expected to expand significantly, with an estimated value of around $24 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.0% during the forecast period from 2025 to Elastic Film MarketThe global elastic film market is valued at approximately $5.2 billion, driven by increasing demand in sectors such as healthcare, packaging, and automotive. As consumers seek sustainable solutions, the market is transitioning towards biodegradable and recyclable materials. This shift is further propelled by regulatory pressures and environmental concerns, offering significant opportunities for innovation in material Drip Irrigation Pipe MarketThe global drip irrigation pipe market is valued at approximately $3.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around $5.5 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034 is estimated at 6.1%. Oxidized Polyethylene Wax MarketThe global oxidized polyethylene wax market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a significant growth trajectory that could elevate the market value to around $2.1 billion by 2034. This equates to a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.0% from 2025 to Micronized Polyethylene PE Wax MarketThe global micronized polyethylene (PE) wax market is valued at approximately $300 million in 2024, with projections estimating a market value of around $500 million by 2034. This growth represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% over the forecast period from 2025 to Polyethylene Wax MarketThe global polyethylene wax market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, driven by its diverse applications in coatings, plastics, and cosmetics. The market is expected to expand significantly, projecting a CAGR of around 5.8% from 2025 to 2034, which would elevate the market value to approximately $2.2 billion by Medical Hydrophilic Coating MarketThe global medical hydrophilic coating market is valued at approximately $1.75 billion, driven by increasing demands for biocompatible coatings in medical devices and enhanced patient safety. The market is projected to reach about $2.85 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 5.05% between 2025 and Industrial Polyethyleneimine MarketThe global market for industrial polyethyleneimine (PEI) is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating significant growth, expected to reach around $2.1 billion by 2034. This reflects a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% over the forecast period from 2025 to CONTACT: Irfan Tamboli (Head of Sales) Phone: + 1704 266 3234 Email: sales@ in to access your portfolio
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
MAPP's Women In Hospitality Leadership Conference Addressed Key Issues
The conference attracted some of the biggest names in hospitality. Trevor Carr By all accounts Joanna James is a visionary and tireless advocate for female representation at the highest levels in the competitive hospitality and restaurant industries. What's more, she's a talented film director and producer whose documentary A Fine Line sparked national conversations for gender equality in the culinary and hospitality industries. MAPP Founder/CEO Joanna James provided the welcome keynote address. credit to Trevor Carr James, Founder and CEO of MAPP, a 501c3 non-profit (Mentorship, Advocacy, Purpose and the Power of Community) recently brought renowned restaurateurs and Michelin star chefs to Las Vegas for the Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference. The groups sessions provided attendees direct access to mentorship speed-dating and break-out sessions with speakers like Dominique Crenn, the country's only three Michelin Star female chef, Cat Cora, the first Female Iron Chef, Lorena Garcia, the first female chef on Las Vegas' Culinary Wall of Titans, Chefs Mary Sue Miliken and Susan Feniger of Los Angeles and recent Los Angeles transplant to Vegas, Chef Antonia Lafasso. MAPP is celebrating its 5th year anniversary by launching its Global Women Leadership Initiative with empowering events in Paris, London, Miami, Washington DC and its recent annual Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference that was hosted for the first time at the WYNN Las Vegas on March 30-31. The conference at the WYNN and Legacy Gala at University of Nevada Las Vegas Harrah College of Hospitality unified hundreds of hospitality professionals from Las Vegas with women across the United States between the culinary arts and corporate hospitality to learn, engage with one another and ensure their voices are represented in federal policy leading into MAPP's advocacy in Washington DC. The Main Stage Panel featured mavericks in the hospitality industry. Trevor Carr Some of Las Vegas' top talent participated on keynote speeches and panels including, Alex Dixon, CEO of Resort Worlds, Punam Mather, Executive Director of Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation and Monica Moradkhan, VP of Community Relations at Wynn Resorts. 'It's remarkable to reflect on MAPP's past five years that half a million women and men have accessed our programming from educational resources, mentorship, custom roadMAPP virtual courses, all-paid externships and discussion guides on how to transform the landscape of the hospitality and culinary industries into a more inclusive and thriving community,' says James, who founded MAPP in 2020 after her award-winning PBS film premiere of the documentary A Fine Line – featuring world-renowned women chefs such as Dominique Crenn, Cat Cora and Elizabeth Falkner – brought the issue of gender equality in the culinary and hospitality industries to the forefront. Cipriana Quann and TK Quann are experts at mitigating stress. Trevor Carr The conference shed light on the fact that up to 64% of restaurant and hospitality professionals are female, yet numbers plummet when it comes to ownership and C-suite leadership. With the hospitality industry slated to get to pre-pandemic levels this year, MAPP posed the question as to how attendees can help create a more sustainable business model that values women's contributions while implementing better business practices that carve equitable paths towards leadership. James says, 'With Las Vegas' Food and beverage revenues surpassing gambling for the past four years from global tourism, it makes the city prime grounds to become a standard bearer on how to offer innovative business benefits and operations that allow for more women in corporate hospitality to advance and thrive.' Dominique Crenn, owner of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, adds, 'Use your platform to uplift others because powerful collaborations can lead to economic freedom.' A special lunch session was led by Moms First, MAPP coalition partner, providing table talks on how policies like affordable childcare and paid family leave are a national economic imperative for businesses to figure out in order to recruit and retain a more diverse labor pool and how government support is crucial in these efforts. The film A Fine Line had its French premiere in Paris earlier this year to launch MAPP's Global Women Leadership Initiative. It provided an all-paid externship for Chef Adé Carenna, voted Best Chef of North Carolina, with Michelin Star Chef Georgiana Viou of Nimes, France, as part of the MAPP Scholarship 'Sky's the Limit' presented by Delta Air Lines and PepsiCo. The conference helped carve equitable paths towards leadership. Trevor Carr 'We see how even across the globe our stories are universal, so when MAPP hosts these empowering events whether in London or Las Vegas, they inspire us to ask ourselves and each other how we can shape a future where our contributions are respected and valued leading to a more inclusive and represented industry,' explains James. A Fine Line will have its UK premiere in London at the end of June honoring Chef Asma Khan, owner of Darjeeling Express. MAPP will host another international 'Sky's the Limit' externship as well as special curated mentorship meals where US chefs and hospitality professionals can meet and mingle with London professionals. Following London, MAPP will host its annual advocacy summit on Capitol Hill with partners Moms First and the National Partnership for Women & Families bringing nearly 200 chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, hospitality professionals, Fortune 500 female leaders and legislators to advocate for women-led federal policies that support families like accessible, affordable childcare and paid family leave which help small businesses thrive. Events have food and wine receptions by women chefs with critical conversations on how to build sustainable growth for women in the culinary and hospitality industries while fostering lifelong friendships and supporting the local communities with mentorship, MAPP resources and collaborations with other women-led organizations. MAPP also has a giveback program providing scholarship memberships for local chefs and industry professionals at stops along the tour, thanks to partnerships with PepsiCo, Delta Air Lines, Markham Vineyards of Distinguished Vineyards and more. Providing these benefits and educational resources, VIP invitations, industry discounts & virtual mentorship circles are part of MAPP's membership program. MAPP was created to empower more women into leadership. Trevor Carr James created MAPP to empower more women into leadership using a roadMAPP designed with the industry's top programs, mentors and partners to create gender and racial equity and policies that support working families, and creating opportunities for representation where women and people of color are sorely missed. MAPP is dedicated to transforming the landscape of the culinary and hospitality industry into a more inclusive, thriving community where every woman can reach their full potential.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Robot Survived Failed Lunar Landing But Was Trapped Inside and Died Afterward
It is with heavy hearts we report that an intrepid little robot that made it all the way to the Moon has met a horrible end. On Thursday, Intuitive Machine's lunar lander Athena touched down in a crater near the Moon's south pole — sideways. That caused it to tip over, and unable to collect solar energy in its awkward position, the NASA-sponsored spacecraft was declared dead less than 24 hours after arriving. The fate was even more tragic for a robot, dubbed the Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP), that hitched a ride inside the lander. The little, barely one-and-a-half foot long rover, built by Colorado-based startup Lunar Outpost, survived the trip in one piece and was even ready to roam the rocky satellite's craggy surface. But in a cruel twist, Athena's sideways landing blocked MAPP's only exit, and trapped inside, it eventually met a slow death. "Intuitive Machines landing on its side prevented MAPP's deployment," Lunar Outpost said in a statement on X. "Our data paints a clear picture that MAPP survived the landing attempt and would have driven on the lunar surface and achieved our mission objectives had it been given the opportunity." Nonetheless, the robot did bravely manage to send some data back to Earth proving that it was still deployable. MAPP also did enough to demonstrate that some of its scientific capabilities work in space, the company said. Had MAPP been able to break free — or if Athena had stuck its landing — it would have been the first US robotic rover deployed on the surface of the Moon — not to mention the first private rover to roam extraterrestrial soil. Its bevy of systems included a device to connect to an experimental 4G network built by Nokia that would have been broadcast from the Athena lander. MAPP was also equipped to collect a sample of lunar regolith — the Moon's loose surface soil — that the company planned to sell to NASA for $1. This gesture would've marked the first commercially collected regolith sample, setting the legal and financial precedent for space resource utilization in the future, Lunar Outpost said in a press release. Those ambitions, at least for the time-being, were resoundingly squashed when the Athena missed its intended landing spot, a flat-topped mountain called Mons Mouton roughly 100 miles from the lunar south pole. With it unceremoniously tipped on its side, what was originally intended to be a ten-day mission for the lander barely lasted one. Still, this won't be the last we'll hear from either company. Intuitive Machines has two more Moon missions scheduled with NASA for 2026 and 2027, while Lunar Outpost says it's planning additional expeditions, including a return to the south pole and a visit to a curious lunar landscape feature called Reiner Gamma. More on lunar happenings: Amazing Video Shows Spacecraft Touching Down on Surface of Moon
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Private mini rover aboard sideways Athena moon lander was ready to roll — but it couldn't get out
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Intuitive Machines' Athena mission is already over, but silver linings have emerged from the short-lived lunar south pole landing effort. Athena beamed back images from the surface of the moon despite landing sideways on March 6. This unhelpful orientation meant, however, that the lander could not generate power due to the position of its solar arrays and saw the mission end just a day after touchdown. Further updates have revealed that another private spacecraft aboard the lander, the tiny Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover, was able to return useful data before the lack of power ended the mission. "Our Lunar Voyage 1 MAPP rover successfully made it to the moon, collected data from the lunar surface and in transit, and proved MAPP was ready to drive," U.S. space exploration company Lunar Outpost announced in a statement. Related: Private Intuitive Machines moon lander declared dead after falling on its side in crater at the lunar south pole The four-wheeled vehicle survived the landing and was ready to roll but for the orientation of the Athena lander, which prevented its deployment, according to the company. "Intuitive Machines landing on its side prevented MAPP's deployment," Lunar Outpost's statement read. "Our data paints a clear picture that MAPP survived the landing attempt and would have driven on the lunar surface and achieved our mission objectives had it been given the opportunity." The 1.5 foot-long (45 centimeters) rover carried a range of payloads. It planned to test Nokia's LTE/4G communications system for the moon and collect a small amount of lunar regolith to be sold to NASA for a sum of $1, with the symbolic transaction intended to set a legal precedent for space resource utilization. Related stories: — SpaceX's Starship will fly Lunar Outpost's rover to the moon — The moon: Everything you need to know about Earth's companion — There's lots of water on the moon for astronauts. But is it safe to drink? None of these goals can be realized following the suboptimal landing, but data returned from MAPP's time in transit to the moon, in lunar orbit and on the surface validated a range of systems and components that will be useful for Lunar Orbit's upcoming missions. "We look forward to our upcoming missions — including exploring [lunar region] Reiner Gamma (Lunar Voyage 2), heading back to the south pole of the moon (Lunar Voyage 3), and having the first Australian rover mission to the moon (Lunar Voyage 4)," Lunar Outpost stated. "With our capabilities clearly demonstrated in space, we look forward to further showcasing what our mobility systems can achieve." Intuitive Machines' third mission is currently scheduled to launch as soon as late this year and will carry Lunar Outpost's Lunar Voyage 2 rover. Lunar Outpost is also competing for a NASA contract to build an unpressurized rover for a lunar test mission ahead of NASA's Artemis 5 mission, currently scheduled for 2030.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Opinion - Missed shots at the moon are still scores for commercial space companies
The next phase of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services moon exploration program began on Jan. 15, with the launch of the Firefly Blue Ghost. It continued with the launch of the Intuitive Machines Athena lander on Feb. 26. Since the Blue Ghost also had the iSpace Resilience lander as a rideshare, at one point three spacecraft were headed for the lunar surface. Firefly's Blue Ghost landed in the Mare Crisium, northeast of the Sea of Tranquility, in what was described as a clockwork landing with no anomalies in the early morning hours of March 2. Firefly engineers immediately began activating the 10 payloads on the lander for a 14-day campaign of scientific discovery. Intuitive Machines IM-2 Athena touched down on the moon's Mons Mouton region of the lunar south pole on Thursday. Its main mission will be to hunt for lunar ice, a crucial resource needed by future moon explorers. Unfortunately, as with the first Intuitive Machines landing attempt, the Athena proved to be an incomplete success. 'We don't believe we're in the correct attitude' on the lunar surface, Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said. Later it was found that Athena had landed in a nearby crater and tipped over. As of this writing, it is uncertain how much science can be returned from the mission. Intuitive Machines reports that given 'the direction of the sun, the orientation of the solar panels and extreme cold temperatures in the crater,' it does not expect Athena to recharge. The mission has concluded and teams are continuing to assess the data collected throughout the mission. Athena includes a mini-rover called MAPP, which was designed to collect samples from the vicinity of the lander. MAPP also would take 3-D images and video for transmission to Earth. The probe also carries a hopper vehicle named Grace, named after Adm. Grace Hopper, a pioneering software engineer. Grace uses thrusters to venture from place to place in the vicinity of the landing site, including inside a permanently shadowed crater that may contain water ice. The Athena probe comes equipped with several instruments including the Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain (TRIDENT) and the Mass Spectrometer observing lunar operations (MSolo). The probe also contains 4-G cellular equipment developed by Nokia and NASA to provide more bandwidth communications than ever before from the lunar surface. Along with the unsuccessful Astrobotic Peregrine and the partially successful Intuitive Machines Odysseus missions of early 2024, it looks like the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program still has mixed results, with one unsuccessful attempt, two partially successful attempts and one entirely successful. The original assumption was that commercial lunar landings would be, to use a basketball term, 'shots on goal' with some of them failing. Obviously, the more successful missions there are, the more lunar exploration advances. The four Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions (so far) do offer proof of the SpaceX effect, how the drastic lowering of launch costs by Elon Musk's launch company has enabled more commercial missions. The Astrobotic Peregrine was launched by a Vulcan Centaur, but the subsequent three were lofted to the moon by SpaceX Falcon 9s. Even though Musk regards the moon as a 'distraction' to his desire to go to Mars, his launch company has enabled lunar exploration as never before. The next two Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions, scheduled to occur later this year, the Astrobotic Griffin and Intuitive Machines' next lander, dubbed Prism, will also launch on SpaceX Falcon rockets. Other Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions are scheduled for the next few years. Resilience, the Japanese lander that caught a ride on the Blue Ghost launch, is due to land on the moon no earlier than June 2025. Unless NASA undertakes a Musk-inspired pivot away from the moon and exclusively toward Mars, human beings will follow the Commercial Lunar Payload Services robot explorers, The Artemis II crewed lunar circumnavigation mission is scheduled for 2026. Artemis III, so long as it is undertaken, will be a world-historic event toward which all of these missions are leading. Currently, the first crewed moon landing in 55 years is scheduled for 2027. The next crewed moon landing will be the greatest and most followed event (so far) of the 21st century. Just as Apollo 11 provided a balm to all the turmoil and chaos of the 1960s, Artemis III will provide the same service for the current century, which started with the attacks on 9/11 and, in some measure, has only gone downhill since. And that will only be the beginning if we follow wise policy. A lunar settlement would be a center of commerce, science and technological innovation that would enrich our civilization beyond the power of evaluation. The conquest of the moon, not to mention Mars and beyond, will help to ensure the rest of the 21st century is much better than the first 25 years have been. Mark R. Whittington is the author of 'Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon?' as well as 'The Moon, Mars and Beyond,' and, most recently, 'Why is America Going Back to the Moon?' He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
