NASA science continues its journey to the moon aboard an intuitive machine – Artemis

After a successful launch on February 15, six NASA science instruments and technology demonstrations continue their journey to the moon aboard Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lander. The company has confirmed communications with the Mission Operations Directorate in Houston, and the lander continues to operate as expected.

Intuitive Machines, known as IM-1, successfully transmitted its first image to Earth on February 16th. These images were taken on Intuitive Machines’ first trip to the moon as part of the agency’s commercial lunar payload service, shortly after separation from SpaceX’s second stage. Initiative and Artemis Campaign.

Within an hour of liftoff, NASA confirmed data was streaming from the agency’s powered science and technology instruments aboard the flight. This means data from these instruments is automatically streamed to the team, allowing NASA to monitor the health and status of the instruments.

Intuitive Machines then successfully test-ran the Odysseus’ engine. This means it ran the engine’s full flight profile, including the throttles required for landing. The engine uses liquid methane and liquid oxygen, the first of its kind to be burned in space.

One of NASA’s instruments, the Radio Frequency Mass Meter, measures Odysseus’ cryogenic propellant throughout the mission. Data files were collected and many data files were downloaded for analysis. Throughout the pre-launch propellant loading phase, the instruments collected data, which was downloaded and analyzed in near real-time. Data is also being collected during the microgravity passage phase of the mission. This analysis will continue until the moon landing.

Another NASA instrument, the Lunar Node 1 Navigation Demonstrator, integrates navigation and communications capabilities. The science instrument was activated for the first time today and will be activated daily during the cruise phase as the landing date approaches. The radio beacon is designed to support precise geolocation and navigational observations of orbiters, landers, and ground crews, providing accurate geolocation and navigational observations of the lunar surface relative to other moving aircraft, ground stations, and spacecraft. Check the position above digitally. The checkout will help prepare for the lunar landing, as the navigation demonstrator is intended to collect this data throughout the ground operations phase of the mission. Over the next day, flight controllers will analyze the data obtained from this procedure and inform preparations for landing on Thursday, February 22nd.

Follow the latest operational updates on Intuitive Machines’ mission.