A Fitting Farewell From Odysseus

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

Before its power was depleted, Odysseus completed a fitting farewell transmission. Received today, this image from February 22nd showcases the lunar vista with the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity’s presence in the universe.

Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you again.

Recall that the IM-1 mission successfully landed, the first spacecraft in the lunar south pole region, marking the United States' first return since Apollo 17 and the first commercial lunar lander to transmit valuable scientific data for each of its payloads. NASA from the lunar surface. In addition, the operation of the Company's liquid methane and liquid oxygen propulsion system in deep space is being demonstrated through successful missions. Intuitive Machines achieved these feats in the company's first attempt to land on the Moon. The included photographs provide some of the earliest photographs of Odysseus landing on the Moon.

Taken on Tuesday, Feb. 27, Odysseus captured an image using its narrow-field-of-view camera.

Credit: Intuitive Machines

The IM-1 Mission successfully landed the first spacecraft on the Moon’s south pole region, marking the United States’ first return since Apollo 17 and the first commercial lunar lander to transmit valuable science data of each NASA payload from the lunar surface. In addition, the operation of the Company’s liquid methane and liquid oxygen propulsion system in deep space is flight-proven through successful mission operations. Intuitive Machines achieved these marquee accomplishments in the company’s first attempt to land on the Moon.  The photos included provide some of the first photos of Odyssesus landing on the Moon.

The IM-1 Mission successfully landed the first spacecraft on the Moon’s south pole region, marking the United States’ first return since Apollo 17 and the first commercial lunar landing to transmit valuable science data of each NASA payload from the lunar surface. In addition, the operation of the Company’s liquid methane and liquid oxygen propulsion system in deep space is flight-proven through successful mission operations. Intuitive Machines achieved these marquee accomplishments in the company’s first attempt to land on the Moon. The photos included provide some of the first photos of Odyssesus landing on the moon. This image retrieved from the lander on February 27 captures Odysseus’ landing strut during landing on February 22nd performing its primary task, absorbing first contact with the lunar surface. Meanwhile, the lander’s liquid methane and liquid oxygen engine is still throttling, which provided stability. The Company believes the two insights captured in this image enabled Odysseus to gently lean into the lunar surface, preserving the ability to return scientific data.

Odysseus’ landing captured a leg, as it performed its primary task, absorbing first contact with the lunar surface. With the lander’s liquid methane and liquid oxygen engine still throttling, it provided stability.

Credit: Intuitive Machines

Taken on February 27th, flight controllers commanded Odysseus to capture a new image using its narrow-field-of-view camera. Previous attempts to send photos from landing and the days following returned unusable imagery. After successfully transmitting the image to Earth, flight controllers received additional insight into Odysseus’ position on the lunar surface.

Credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this image of the Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander, called Odysseus, on the Moon’s surface on Feb. 24, 2024, at 1:57 p.m. EST). Odysseus landed at 80.13 degrees south latitude, 1.44 degrees east longitude, at an elevation of 8,461 feet (2,579 meters). The image is 3,192 feet (973 meters) wide, and lunar north is up. (LROC NAC frame M1463440322L)

Credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University

This image pair shows LRO views of the area surrounding the Odysseus site before (frame M172936310) and after (frame M1463440322L) its landing.

Credit: Intuitive Machines

On Feb. 22, 2024, Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lunar lander captures a wide field of view image of Schomberger crater on the Moon approximately 125 miles (200 km) uprange from the intended landing site, at approximately 6 miles (10 km) altitude.