Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based lunar company, is set to make history by attempting the first American moon landing since the Apollo era. The mission, known as IM-1, aims to land near the moon’s south pole and if successful, Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C cargo lander, named “Odysseus,” will become the first U.S. spacecraft to touch down on the lunar surface since 1972.
Founded in 2013, Intuitive Machines went public a year ago and has experienced a surge in its stock price as excitement builds around the progress of the IM-1 mission. The company’s stock fell 11% in Thursday trading, closing at $8.28 a share. However, this setback has not dampened the enthusiasm surrounding the mission.
The IM-1 lander, Odysseus, will perform a series of maneuvers before attempting the landing, starting with “Descent Orbit Insertion.” The target landing site is the “Malapert A” crater, located about 300 kilometers from the moon’s south pole. If all goes according to plan, Odysseus will operate on the lunar surface for up to seven days.
The IM-1 mission, launched on a SpaceX rocket on February 15, is carrying 12 government and commercial payloads, six of which are for NASA under a $118 million contract. This marks the second mission under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, which aims to deliver science projects and cargo to the moon more frequently in support of the agency’s Artemis crew program.
It’s worth noting that IM-1 is not a NASA mission; it is an Intuitive Machines’ endeavor. However, it aligns with NASA’s goals and contributes to the broader geopolitical race to the moon. While Intuitive Machines represents the latest American effort, other nations are also investing heavily in lunar programs. Last month, Japan became the fifth country to successfully land on the moon, following in the footsteps of Russia, the U.S., China, and India. This demonstrates the global interest in lunar exploration and the competition among nations to establish a presence on the moon.
The IM-1 mission is not without risks. Last month, Astrobotic, a Pittsburgh-based company, faced difficulties shortly after launch and was unable to make a lunar landing attempt. However, NASA views such missions as valuable learning experiences and aims to create an industrial base of companies that can deliver payloads on cost-effective missions.
Looking ahead, NASA expects more U.S. companies to launch lunar missions this year, while China plans to send its next lunar lander in May. The modern moon race is well underway, with governments and private companies alike vying for a foothold on our celestial neighbor.
Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission is a significant step forward for American lunar exploration. If successful, it will not only mark a historic achievement but also open doors for future missions and collaborations. As the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this pioneering endeavor, the future of lunar exploration appears increasingly promising.
