NASA has unveiled its coverage plan for the first US uncrewed commercial moon landing, a significant milestone in the agency's CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign.
First US Uncrewed Commercial Moon Landing
Intuitive Machines, a key player in this mission, is targeting a landing near Malapert A in the South Pole region of the Moon, scheduled for no earlier than 5:49 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 22.
Viewers can tune in to live landing coverage on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website. The broadcast will commence at 4:15 p.m., offering live streaming and blog updates as the landing milestones unfold.
Following a successful landing, Intuitive Machines and NASA will hold a news conference to delve into the mission's details and the scientific opportunities that await as lunar surface operations commence.
The collaboration between NASA and Intuitive Machines began in May 2019 when the agency awarded a task order for scientific payload delivery. The Odysseus lunar lander embarked on its journey at 1:05 a.m. on Feb. 15, propelled by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA's engagement with multiple U.S. companies under the CLPS initiative aims to facilitate the delivery of science and technology to the lunar surface. These companies are eligible to bid on task orders for end-to-end delivery services, covering payload integration and operations, Earth launch, and lunar surface landing. The CLPS contracts hold a cumulative maximum contract value of $2.6 billion through 2028.
The Artemis campaign, within which commercial robotic deliveries play a crucial role, will conduct science experiments, technology tests, and capability demonstrations to advance lunar exploration. These endeavors serve as precursors to Artemis Generation astronaut missions to the moon and eventual crewed voyages to Mars, according to NASA.
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NASA Offers Glimpse into Artemis III's Rocket Propellant Tanks
In related news, NASA has provided a glimpse into the rocket propellant tanks that will play a crucial role in the journey of the Artemis III mission. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket represents a cornerstone of NASA's efforts to return humans to the moon's surface.
With the completion of welding on the liquid oxygen tank, essential structures forming the core stage for the SLS rocket are now ready for further outfitting. These components, crucial for the success of the Artemis III mission, were recently finalized by technicians at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
Meanwhile, the liquid hydrogen tank, another critical propellant tank for the SLS rocket, has completed full welding, with NASA and Boeing undertaking priming activities within the Vertical Assembly Building area.
Through the Artemis program, NASA aims to send astronauts, including the first woman, the first person of color, and the first international partner astronaut, to explore the moon.
The goals of scientific exploration, economic advantages, and laying the groundwork for forthcoming crewed missions to Mars motivate this ambitious undertaking.
