Intuitive Machines, NASA: Mission Accomplished for IM-1

NASA and Intuitive Machines deemed the IM-1 mission an “unqualified success,” noting that the Odysseus Nova-C lander, launched on Feb. 15, was able to meet its objectives.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus and Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said Odysseus made a soft touchdown on the lunar surface and delivered scientific data to customers.

The company and the space agency made the remarks despite the previous statement of Tim Crain, chief technology officer at Intuitive Machines, about the problems encountered during the moon landing, SpaceNews reported.

According to Crain, the spacecraft’s laser rangefinders, designed to provide altimetry data, were not working, causing Odyssey to hit the ground harder than expected and break one of its landing legs.

Altemus confirmed in the press conference that the spacecraft’s landing legs were subjected to strong impact force, but noted that its major systems remained intact.

While Odyssey is designed to operate on the moon for six days, company executives hope that the lander’s batteries and electronics can survive the lunar conditions and continue its mission.