What you need to know
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch Intuitive Machines' Nova-C lander, assembled at the Houston Spaceport, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, making Intuitive Machines the first commercial company to put a lander on the moon, according to a February news release from Intuitive Machines.
The lander is equipped with several science and technology payloads to be sent to the moon’s surface as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services, according to the release. These payloads intend to lay the foundation for human missions and a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.
More specifically, some payloads will do experiments, such as measuring and analyzing the plume of lunar dust kicked up by the landing, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Quote of note
“As we prepare to embark on our IM-1 mission to the moon, we carry with us the collective spirit of perseverance, fueled by the dedication and hard work of everyone on our team,” Intuitive Machines President and CEO Steve Altemus said in the news release. “Their tireless efforts have brought us to this moment, where we stand on the precipice of history, humbled by the gravity of our mission, yet emboldened by the boundless possibilities that lie ahead."
One more thing
Those interested in watching the IM-1 launch can do so Feb. 13 at 11:15 p.m. on NASA TV, NASA+ and the agency’s social media sites.
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