Aerospace component manufacturing firm Intuitive Machines in collaboration with Elon Musk-owned SpaceX on Monday, analyzed the data from the lunar lander fueling tests for the IM-1 mission and completed the determined testing campaign.
Intuitive Machines said the liftoff of the IM-1 mission is targeted for a multi-day launch window which opens at 12:57 hours (EST) on February 14, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
The IM-1 mission is the firm’s first attempt at a lunar landing, part as a part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, said the aerospace parts maker. This initiative is a crucial component of NASA’s Artemis program, which focuses on lunar exploration efforts, the firm added.
In late January, NASA said it will launch Intuitive Machines’ first robotic flight to the Moon’s surface as a part of its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and Artemis campaign to make robotic deliveries transport agency science and technology demonstrations to the Moon for the benefit of all.
The science and technology payloads dispatched to the Moon’s surface under CLPS aim to establish the groundwork for human missions as well as establish a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface, said the space exploration company.
Texas-based space company Intuitive Machines supplies space products and services to support robotic and human exploration to the Moon, and Mars. Its business unit specializes in lunar access services, orbital services, lunar data services, and space products and infrastructure.
In early February, the firm announced its IM-1 mission Nova-C class lunar lander was safely encapsulated within SpaceX’s payload fairing in preparation for launch.
To read more on Technology, head to the link.
