Here's When 'Odysseus' Is Expected to Land on the Moon

The IM-1 mission represents the first U.S. lunar landing in more than 50 years.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 02:44 PM ET

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Concept image of Intuitive Machines Nova-C lander. [Courtesy: Intuitive Machines]

Key Takeaways:

Intuitive Machines' Nova-C lunar lander *Odysseus* is poised to attempt the first U.S. moon landing in over 50 years and the first ever by a private company, following a recent failed commercial mission.
The IM-1 mission, part of NASA's CLPS initiative, is now expected to land on Thursday, February 22nd, at 6:24 p.m. EST, after flight controllers added an extra orbit.
*Odysseus* carries six NASA payloads to conduct research on the lunar environment, test precision landing technologies, and study space weather.
The lander has successfully performed trajectory correction maneuvers and transmitted images, with lunar orbit insertion being its next major challenge before the anticipated touchdown.

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Landing Time Update: Intuitive Machines flight controllers decided to add an additional orbit prior to beginning the IM-1 mission landing sequence. The new expected landing time is 6:24 p.m. EST.

Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C robotic lunar lander Odysseus is on track to execute the first U.S. moon landing in more than 50 years on Thursday, according to the company.