NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has snapped images of the Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander, dubbed Odysseus, which landed softly near the Malapert A crater in the Moon’s South Pole area. This event occurred on February 22 at 6:24 p.m. EST, following Odysseus’ seven-day transit to the Moon. The LRO managed to photograph the lander two days later on February 24 while orbiting approximately 56 miles (90 km) above the surface.
The landing coordinates of the Odysseus lander are 80.13 degrees south latitude and 1.44 degrees east longitude, at an elevation of 8,461 feet (2,579 meters). It settled within a one-kilometer diameter crater that has a 12-degree slope and shows signs of degradation.
This landing signifies the first successful soft landing of a spacecraft under NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) program. Moreover, it is a historical moment as it brings new NASA scientific instruments and tech demonstrations to the lunar surface for the first time in over half a century.
The LRO is coordinated from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. It operates under the guidance of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The LRO, which launched on June 18, 2009, has been essential in enriching our understanding of the Moon, thanks to its seven sophisticated instruments and the efforts of Arizona State University, which manages the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC).
Media Contact:
Nancy N. Jones
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
FAQ Section
- What is the significance of the Odysseus lander’s mission?
The Odysseus lander is important as it represents the first successful soft landing under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, bringing new instruments and technology to the Moon’s surface for the first time in decades.
- What instruments does the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter carry?
The LRO carries seven powerful instruments that have significantly contributed to our knowledge of the Moon.
- Who manages the LRO’s camera system?
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera is managed and operated by Arizona State University.
Conclusion
The successful landing of the Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander, Odysseus, on the Moon represents a remarkable achievement in space exploration and the ongoing quest to expand human knowledge of our celestial neighbor. The smooth collaboration between NASA’s LRO and the CLPS initiative showcases the potential of public-private partnerships in advancing lunar exploration. With the LRO continuing to orbit and document the lunar surface, we can anticipate more groundbreaking discoveries that will fuel the curiosity and imagination of humanity for many years to come.