The IM-1 mission
Odysseus, built by Intuitive Machines, made a soft landing on 22 February 2024 in the Moon’s south polar region. It was the first successful commercial lunar landing and the first US landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. No astronauts were aboard.
A difficult descent
After touchdown the vehicle came to rest on its side, a position that limited some activities and communications. Despite the difficulty, the mission transmitted scientific data and images.
NASA instruments and programme
Odysseus carried six NASA payloads through Commercial Lunar Payload Services, an initiative that purchases delivery services from commercial companies. The investigations included navigation technologies and observations useful for future lunar exploration.