The second mission for Intuitive Machines' Moon venture is still a go, the company confirmed earlier today during an investors call. The IM-2 is set to perform better than its inaugural one.
While the IM-1 mission did not fail, it faced massive challenges and miscalculations, which resulted in the lander tipping to its side after reaching the lunar surface.
Additionally, one of the lander's legs broke due to an overlooked safety switch, but overall, it is a considered historic mission for the United States.
Intuitive Machines' IM-2 Mission is Set for Late 2024
TechCrunch reported that Intuitive Machines' executives confirmed the IM-2 mission, which would take place before 2024 ends, following up on its February mission, during its recent earnings call.
This follows the successful landing of the Odysseus lander, but it faced significant hiccups, which ended the mission earlier than the company intended.
In the IM-1 mission, the Odysseus came down too hot, and this led to it tipping on the lunar surface and losing power, leading to a premature end.
Moreover, Odysseus broke a leg because of a misstep on Earth before it launched toward its destination, with a safety laser switch turned 'off' when it flew off.
This is a lesson for the company, so it is now looking to make this next mission a success and perform better than its inaugural Moon mission.
Nova-C Lander Brings Improvements for IM-2
While Odysseus was Intuitive Machines' first, the company is now designating the Nova-C lander for the IM-2 mission, making minor adjustments to make it suitable for the upcoming trip.
These tweaks will help improve the outcome of the IM-2 mission and hopefully be a success for the company.
IM-2 will bring NASA payloads to the Moon, with spacecraft meant to explore the South Pole for water ice, believed to be a power source for rockets or a planned lunar habitat.
Intuitive Machines' Historic IM-1 Mission
The IM-1 mission, a.k.a. Intuitive Machines' inaugural campaign, was considered a historic feat by the United States as it marked the first US landing on the Moon in 52 years since 1972.
The Odysseus lander successfully continued the last Apollo 17 mission of fulfilling America's space dreams of exploring the natural satellite.
Shortly after its successful landing, the Odysseus faced a premature end to its mission as it tipped over while on the lunar surface, leading to its solar panels facing away from the Sun.
What was supposed to be seven to ten days of operation was cut down to 10 to 20 hours as it only relied on the remaining battery life onboard the lunar spacecraft.
Nevertheless, it is still one historic return and landing on the Moon, especially as Intuitive Machines is the first American company to touch base here since the last Apollo mission from NASA.
Now, the company is gearing up for round two, a.k.a. the IM-2 mission, which will bring the Nova-C lander on its late 2024 mission for an improved landing on the lunar surface.
Related Article : Intuitive Machines' Odysseus Moon Lander Breaks Its Leg Due to Overlooked Laser Switch
