BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The countdown is on for the second launch in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
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Intuitive Machines’ IM-1 mission is targeting a soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will play an important role in getting the mission underway early Wednesday, it will carry the Nova-C lunar lander to space.
The lander, named Odysseus, will carry several NASA and commercial payloads.
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It will also demonstrate precision landing technologies, and new communication and navigation capabilities.
NASA said this mission will be an important step for future Artemis missions.
Odysseus is also equipped with a project from students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
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“EagleCam” would be the first student-built project to land on the Moon.
The university said it will take a picture of the lander right before it sets down.
If the Valentine’s Day launch happens as planned, the lunar lander should reach its destination by Feb. 22 for a 7 to 10-day mission.
Liftoff is scheduled for Wednesday at 12:57 a.m.
And if you aren’t lucky enough to see stars and hear your heart beat loudly this holiday, there’s a good chance you’ll at least hear a sonic boom.
SpaceX said after separation, the first stage booster will land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
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