NASA science aboard Intuitive Machines continues its journey to the Moon – Artemis

after Successful launch On February 15, six NASA science instruments and technology demonstrations continue their journey to the Moon aboard the Intuitive Machines lander called Odysseus. The company confirmed that communications had been made with the Mission Operations Control Center in Houston, and its lander continues to operate as expected.

Intuitive Machines, known as IM-1, successfully sent its first images back to Earth in February. 16. These images were taken shortly after separation from SpaceX's second stage, on Intuitive Machines' first flight to the Moon as part of the agency's mission. Commercial lunar payload services Initiative and Artemis Campaign.

Within an hour of launch, NASA confirmed that data was streaming from the agency's powered science and technology instruments on board the flight. This meant that data from these instruments was automatically flowing to the teams so that NASA could monitor the health and condition of its instruments.

Later, Intuitive Machines successfully powered the Odysseus engine, meaning it used the engine's full flight profile, including the throttle required for landing. The engine, which uses liquid methane and liquid oxygen, is the first of its kind to be launched into space.

A NASA tool, Radio frequency mass meter He measures the cryogenic propellant on Odysseus throughout the mission. Data files were collected and many were downloaded for analysis. Throughout the propellant loading phase that occurred prior to launch, the device collected data, which was downloaded and analyzed in near real-time. Data is also being collected during the microgravity transit phase of the mission. This analysis will continue until the moon landing.

Another NASA tool, Lunar Node 1 is a guide to navigation, integrates navigation and communication functions. This scientific instrument will operate for the first time today and on a daily basis during the cruise phase as the landing date approaches. The radio beacon is designed to support precise geolocation and navigational observations of orbiters, landers and surface personnel, digitally confirming their positions on the Moon relative to other rovers, ground stations or rovers on the move. The check-off process helps prepare for the lunar landing as the navigation guide aims to collect this data throughout the duration of the surface operations phase of the mission. Over the next day, flight controllers will analyze data from this procedure to inform preparations for landing on Thursday, February 12. 22.

Follow along with Intuitive machines To get the latest operational updates on their mission.