Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines are all set with their Moon landers.
Now they just need their rockets prepped and the launch windows to swing open.
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh-based Astroboticannouncedthat its Peregrine lunar lander is fueled and ready to rock.
Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander is now fueled and ready for launch.Photo: Astrobotic
The Peregrine lander carries a range of payloads as part of NASAsCommercial Lunar Payload Services(CLPS) program.
Importantly, CLPS is key to NASAs Artemis program, aimed at sustainably returning humans to the lunar surface.
The mission is a first for Astrobotican employee-owned companywith Peregrine representing its first lunar landing attempt.
Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander at the company’s facility in Houston.Photo: Intuitive Machines
The companydescribesthe Peregrine spacecraft as a delivery vehicle in space.
These instruments are crucial for advancing our understanding of the Moons geology and environment.
The mission will now launch no earlier than mid-February 2024.
And like Astrobotics upcoming mission, this endeavor marks Intuitive Machines first attempt at a lunar landing.
Intuitive Machines attributed the launch delay to unfavorable weather conditions that forced SpaceX to adjust its launch schedule.
In addition, the mid-February launch window is the next available opportunity due to the monthly lunar blackout period.
The Nova-C lunar lander is ready, having been delivered to Cape Canaveral in December.
Since its arrival, the lander has completed major system tests, verifications, and certification processes.
The remaining step involves integrating Nova-C into a Falcon 9 rocket fairing in preparation for the launch window.
Among these is theEagleCAM, a detachable gadget designed to capture Nova-Cs descent and landing on the lunar surface.
Its not clear if the delay of IM-1 will affect the schedule of these subsequent missions.
These missions offer a cost-effective way to transport payloads for both government and private entities.
For more spaceflight in your life, follow us onX(formerly Twitter) and bookmark Gizmodos dedicatedSpaceflight page.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
