From CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — History is potentially in the making as the private Odysseus lunar lander orbits the moon before its planned landing on Thursday. The mission, if successful, would be the first U.S. moon landing after the iconic achievements of NASA’s Apollo astronauts.
Intuitive Machines aims to be the first private company to achieve a lunar landing, joining an exclusive list of countries that have accomplished this feat. This follows another company’s failed lunar landing attempt last month.
Launched from Kennedy Space Center last week, Odysseus attained lunar orbit as of Wednesday. The lander is primed for its anticipated descent onto the lunar surface in the late afternoon.
Houston-based flight controllers at Intuitive Machines’ headquarters vigilantly tracked the mission, taking place a quarter-million miles away.
The imposing six-legged lander, constructed of carbon fiber and titanium, stands at 14 feet tall and carries six NASA experiments. NASA invested $118 million in the lander, hoping to foster a new era of private lunar cargo deliveries in preparation for the planned return of astronauts in the coming years.
Intuitive Machines’ endeavor follows a flurry of lunar landing attempts by nations and corporations vying for exploration and potential commercial opportunities on the moon. With Japan’s recent landing success, it joined the ranks of Russia, the U.S., China, and India.
The last U.S. presence on the moon was during NASA’s Apollo missions, which ended in 1972. Astrobotic Technology, a Pittsburgh-based firm, attempted a return last month but suffered from a fuel leak, causing the lander to reenter Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrate.
Unique to this mission, the Intuitive Machines’ lander targets an area approximate to 186 miles from the lunar south pole, closer to the celestial object’s pole than any prior mission. The intended landing zone is relatively level, but its proximity to boulders and craters, possibly containing water ice, makes it a location of significant interest. The lander was programmed to autonomously select the safest landing site near Malapert A crater.
Designed to survive on solar power, Odysseus is expected to function for one lunar day, or about one Earth week, until the extended darkness of the lunar night sets in.
NASA’s experiments, alongside other payloads, include Columbia Sportswear’s latest insulating fabric, artist Jeff Koons’ miniature lunar sculptures, and cameras from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to document the landing process.
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FAQs about the Odysseus Lunar Lander Mission
- Who is behind the Odysseus lunar lander mission?
Intuitive Machines, a private company, is responsible for the Odysseus lunar lander mission. - What will Odysseus do on the moon?
The lander carries six experiments for NASA and additional payloads from other partners, intending to operate for about one week. - Has the United States landed on the moon before this mission?
Yes, the last U.S. moon landing was during NASA’s Apollo missions, which culminated in 1972. - What makes this mission significant?
If successful, it would be the first U.S. moon landing after the Apollo era and the first by a private company. - When was Odysseus launched?
The lander was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida six days before reaching lunar orbit.
Conclusion
The Odysseus lunar lander’s attempt to touch down on the moon not only represents a significant milestone for Intuitive Machines but also holds promise for future commercial space endeavors and scientific research on our celestial neighbor. As the world watches the progress of this historical event, the success of Odysseus could catalyze a new chapter in lunar exploration and pave the way for the next generation of moon-based missions.