Odysseus, the pioneering private spacecraft from Intuitive Machines, has gone silent just a week after making history as the first US private lander to touch down on the moon. Despite carrying six NASA experiments worth $118 million, the lander encountered challenges upon landing, tipping over near the lunar south pole and sustaining damage to its solar power and communication systems.
Flight controllers received one final image from Odysseus before instructing the lander's computer and power systems to enter standby mode. This step aims to preserve the lander's potential to reawaken in two to three weeks. The decision came after the lander's batteries were depleted, putting Odysseus into a prolonged hibernation.
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Despite the setback, Intuitive Machines exceeded expectations by successfully landing Odysseus on February 22. The company aimed for just a week-long mission on the moon, but the lander's operations were impeded by the awkward landing caused by a navigational glitch. Nevertheless, Odysseus remained operational despite its tilted position and damage, showcasing resilience and innovation in space exploration.
Odysseus's mission represents a significant step in NASA's commercial lunar delivery program, aiming to pave the way for manned missions in the future. Previous attempts by private companies had faced challenges, with one lander crashing back to Earth in January. NASA views these private landers as crucial precursors to manned missions, marking a new chapter in space exploration following the last US moon landing in 1972.
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