From CNBC:

Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander for the IM-1 mission was launched on February 15, 2024, marking the first U.S. lunar landing in over 50 years. The lander carries 12 payloads, six of which are for NASA under an $118 million contract. The spacecraft will travel for 8 days before landing, 300 kilometers from the moon’s south pole.

Intuitive Machines’ inaugural moon mission, carrying the Nova-C lander, was launched from Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for the IM-1 mission. The lander is named “Odysseus” and is expected to land on the moon’s surface on February 22, with a mission duration of up to 7 days. The launch was the second mission under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

The IM-1 mission by Intuitive Machines is the second mission under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, aiming to deliver science projects and cargo to the moon in support of the Artemis crew program. The mission is targeting the “Malapert A” crater, about 300 kilometers from the moon’s south pole. After landing, Intuitive Machines aims to operate Odysseus on the surface for up to seven days.

Intuitive Machines’ stock rose in trading following the launch of its IM-1 moon mission. The company’s stock price was at $4.98 per share at Wednesday’s close. Last month, Japan became the fifth country to land on the moon. Governments and private companies alike have made more than 50 attempts to land on the moon with mixed success since the 1960s.

Even though Astrobotic’s recent moon mission attempt didn’t succeed, NASA expressed satisfaction with the company’s openness about the mission and its learnings. More moon missions are expected, with U.S. companies planning additional missions this year, and China planning to launch another lunar lander in May.



Read more: Intuitive Machines first moon mission begins after SpaceX launch