2024-03-01 08:02:07
This content was published on March 1, 2024 – 10:05
(Keystone-ATS) The private American probe Odysseus, on the Moon for a week, has been put to sleep at the end of its main mission. But the company Intuitive Machines that developed it hopes to be able to turn it back on at the end of the lunar night.
“Good night, Odie,” the Texas startup said on X, calling the device by its nickname. “We hope to hear from you once more.” On February 22, Odysseus became the first private probe to land on the Moon, and the first American spacecraft to do so since the end of the Apollo program in 1972.
Due to a failure in its navigation system, it had approached the lunar surface too quickly during its descent, and had broken at least one of its six feet. Once placed, it tilted and found itself tilted at regarding 30 degrees. But some of its solar panels were still able to continue to function and supply it with energy.
Odysseus has since transmitted photos and scientific data, notably those collected by NASA instruments on board. The lander’s mission was originally supposed to last regarding seven days, before lunar night settled over the south pole, the region where Odysseus landed.
Icy cold ahead
But on Wednesday, Intuitive Machines boss Steve Altemus said the company would try to contact the probe once more “in two or three weeks,” once the sun reappears high enough above the horizon.
However, it is very uncertain whether the device, particularly its batteries, will survive the freezing cold regarding to set in. Even if the Japanese lunar probe SLIM managed to do it this month. Both NASA and Intuitive Machines called Odysseus’ lunar stay a success.
This mission, as well as the two others from Intuitive Machines planned for this year, are part of NASA’s new CLPS program, which has ordered several companies to transport its scientific equipment. The agency thus hopes to be able to make the trip more often and for less money than by developing lunar vehicles for this purpose itself.
“Farewell Transmission”
Odysseus is the probe that landed furthest south on the Moon, an area that is of particular interest to the great powers because there is water there in the form of ice, which might be exploited. NASA wants to explore this region using robots like this before sending its astronauts there, as part of its Artemis missions.
“Before his power ran out, Odysseus made a fitting farewell transmission,” Intuitive Machines said Thursday, accompanying its message with an image of the lunar surface taken last week, with Earth in the background. “A subtle reminder of the presence of humanity in the Universe,” said the company.
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