Space agency National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) said it will launch the Intuitive Machines’ first robotic flight to the Moon’s surface on Tuesday, as a part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and Artemis campaign.
The company said the launch will be carried out to make robotic deliveries transport agency science and technology demonstrations to the Moon for the benefit of all. The take-off is aimed for a multi-day launch window, which will open around mid-February, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The space company said the Intuitive Machines Nova-C lander carrying NASA science and commercial payloads, such as instruments on plume-surface interactions, radio astronomy, precision landing technologies, and a communication and navigation node for future autonomous navigation technologies, will launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
A week ago, NASA welcomed four private astronauts who are in orbit, following the successful launch of the third all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
The crew is expected to spend about two weeks conducting microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities aboard the space station.
The Washington DC-based space company said it is working with several US companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface through the agency’s CLPS initiative. NASA’s CLPS contracts are indefinite-delivery or indefinite-quantity contracts with a cumulative maximum contract value of $2.6 billion through 2028.
To read more on Technology, head to the link.
