Who made the spacecraft?
A private American company recently landed a spacecraft on the Moon. This is the first time a US spacecraft has done this in over 50 years. The last American spacecraft to do so was in 1972, carrying two astronauts.
A company called Intuitive Machines made this spacecraft named Odysseus. It safely landed at the Moon's south pole on 22nd February 2024. This spacecraft is also the first commercial spacecraft to land on the Moon.
Odysseus is an unmanned robot lander funded by NASA. It was launched on 15th February 2024. However, during its landing, it faced some problems.
What problems did it face during its landing?
During the spaceship's last part of the landing, the people controlling it had to try a new way to land because the spacecraft’s automated navigation system failed. But the good news is that the spacecraft landed safely.
Intuitive Machines said that Odysseus has already started sending data. This spacecraft is carrying several payloads.
What payload is Odysseus carrying?
Intuitive Machines is one of the companies NASA chose to carry tools for studying the Moon's surface before astronauts go there again. The spacecraft holds six instruments from NASA and six from other companies.
Odysseus is equipped with cameras to examine changes on the Moon caused by spacecraft engine plumes. It also has a device to study dust clouds made by sunlight.
It also has a NASA landing system that can tell the spacecraft's speed and distance from the surface. This is very important for avoiding accidents. These are some NASA equipment the spacecraft is carrying.
Another company, Lonestar, sent tools to create a data centre on the Moon for storing and sending data. The spaceship also brings a time capsule to keep human knowledge safe. These are some other payloads on the spacecraft.
Odysseus uses solar power and will work for a week on the Moon before it gets dark.
