NASA Test Demonstrates Potential for Safer Planetary Landings

WHO:

Phys.org - NASA conducted the technology demonstration.

NASA - NASA conducted the technology demonstration.

Phys.org - An Alta-X drone carried NASA’s Safe and Precise Landing—Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) guidance, navigation and control payload.

NASA - An Alta-X drone carried NASA’s Safe and Precise Landing – Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) guidance, navigation, and control payload.

WHAT:

Phys.org - NASA successfully demonstrated technology intended to help spacecraft autonomously navigate to safe landing sites on the Moon and other planets.

NASA - NASA successfully demonstrated technology intended to help spacecraft autonomously navigate to safe landing sites on the Moon and other planets.

Phys.org - The Alta-X drone completed simulated lunar descent and landing maneuvers.

NASA - The Alta-X drone completed simulated lunar descent and landing maneuvers.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The flight took place at Rogers Dry Lake near NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

NASA - The flight took place at Rogers Dry Lake near NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

HOW:

Phys.org - The demonstration used an Alta-X drone equipped with the SPLICE guidance, navigation and control payload.

NASA - The demonstration used an Alta-X drone equipped with the SPLICE guidance, navigation, and control payload.

(UPDATED November 5, 2026 00:13 UTC)

NASA demonstrated technology to help spacecraft autonomously land safely on the Moon and other planets. An Alta-X drone carrying NASA’s SPLICE guidance system completed simulated lunar landing maneuvers. The test took place at a California dry lake.