Intuitive Machines IM-1 Lunar Mission
 

I'm surprised that this hasn't been done before:
"Intuitive Machines flight controllers successfully fired the first liquid methane and liquid oxygen engine in space, completing the IM-1 mission engine commissioning. This engine firing included a full thrust mainstage engine burn and throttle down-profile necessary to land on the Moon." 16FEB2024 2020 CST
https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/sta...77812217545020

https://www.linuxquestions.org/quest...7/#post6484069

I'm pleased to see that IM's stock leaped over 30% even before it has successfully landed. It would appear the initial lag time between Proof of Concept and commercial development (think of the period between Alexander Bell's first telephone transmission and the mass production of phones) has passed. We are on a roll!

10-4 on that, hoping for a good 'soft' landing!

A few good images here: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/im-1
https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/sta...99202174685589

"Intuitive Machines successfully transmitted its first IM-1 mission images to Earth on February 16, 2024. The images were captured shortly after separation from @SpaceX's second stage on Intuitive Machines’ first journey to the Moon under @NASA's CLPS initiative."

You have my thanks for the links and possibly also the disdain of some QAnon radicals and all Flat Earthers everywhere. ;)

Thanks.
"Flight controllers analyzed the post-Lunar Orbit Insertion engine burn data and updated the anticipated flight maneuver timing, including an expected 1630 CST landing opportunity. The landing opportunity will be Odysseus’ hardest challenge yet. The lander continues to be in excellent health, orbiting approximately 92 km above the lunar surface.

2/21/24 1645CS" https://www.intuitivemachines.com/im-1

Odysseus completed its scheduled 408-second main engine lunar orbit insertion burn and is currently in a 92 km circular lunar orbit. Initial data indicates the 800 m/s burn was completed within 2 m/s accuracy. 🧵1/4 (21FEB2024 0920 CST) https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/sta...23743270756500

+/- 50 minutes till attempted landing (Live). https://www.nasa.gov/nasatv/

Watching.... Few minutes yet... 3 minutes ...

It has landed with some difficulties but is transmitting a return signal. Might take an hour to get exact status but it's not dead yet. That a relatively small, new private company has achieved even what we know so far is quite amazing. However it may also make a case for onboard human piloting.

I was turning blue here, but we have a confirmed landing. Whew... Cool beans. A start to the return to the moon! Can't wait for pictures and status.

Cool! It apparently had to co-opt a lidar package from NASA to attempt the autonomous landing. Even if touchdown wasn't perfect it's some great impromptu 'science.'

Ten hours in and still no images. I'm thinking this may be what you can call a 'qualified' success.

So far it's only marginally more successful that the Japanese recent attempt,
but

1) The problem may just be somewhere in the coms bewcause they were getting a weak signal but from the hi gain antenna.

2) It remains to be seen if any of the science experiments survived but if they did we may still get some data back

3) IM is not a national government. They are a relatively new small company who got some help from NASA and another private company, SpaceX. It wasn't that long ago we would have had to use a Russian booster or possibly an EU booster, though I don't know if they can carry that mass to the Moon yet. IM should get cajone points just for such an audacious 1st attempt. :)

Plus, they have additional follow up missions underway. I'm willing to bet IM's stock is on its way to the moon, too ;)

Agreed.

"Lunar Surface Day One Update
Odysseus is alive and well. Flight controllers are communicating and commanding the vehicle to download science data. The lander has good telemetry and solar charging. We continue to learn more about the vehicle’s specific information (Lat/Lon), overall health, and attitude (orientation). Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus will participate in a press conference later today to discuss this historic moment. Press conference information will be coordinated with NASA and published shortly.

2/23/24 0818 CST" https://www.intuitivemachines.com/im-1