NASA had initially allocated $93 million for Firefly's upcoming mission, but the final price tag was adjusted to $101 million. This increase was necessary due to challenges stemming from disrupted supply chains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and other modifications to the mission's requirements.
The adjustments were particularly focused on ensuring the success of Blue Ghost, the spacecraft designated for the mission. CEO Jason Kim explained that Blue Ghost needed specific enhancements to withstand the extreme conditions of lunar nightfall, where temperatures can plummet to as low as -250°F (-130°C).
