U.S. Returns to Moon with a Private Lander||ENGLISH||GOA365

In a historic moment in the space exploration field, a private lander touched down on the lunar surface. Intuitive Machines, the company behind the spacecraft, confirmed the landing, making it the first US spacecraft to reach the lunar surface in over 50 years.

The landing marks a significant achievement for the US, as it is the first time the country has returned to the moon since the iconic Apollo missions. It also represents a milestone for private businesses, as Intuitive Machines is the first company to successfully land on the moon, a feat previously achieved by only 5 countries, including India.

The spacecraft, named Odysseus, descended from a low orbit and navigated to the surface, searching for a suitable landing spot among the rugged terrain near the moon’s South Pole. After a tense wait, the company announced they received a weak signal from the lander, confirming its touchdown. The lander, which stands at 14 feet tall and is made of carbon fiber and titanium, carried six experiments for NASA, as part of the agency’s efforts to commercialize lunar deliveries in preparation for the planned return of astronauts in the future.