In an unprecedented achievement, the US company Intuitive Machines has successfully landed the first private spacecraft on the Moon. The historic event took place at 23.23pm UK time when the Nova-C Odysseus lander touched down in the Moon’s south pole region. This marks the first US Moon landing since the Apollo 17 mission over fifty years ago. The mission, facilitated under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, represents a significant advancement in lunar exploration, involving commercial entities in the endeavor.

The successful landing was acknowledged by Steve Altemus, Intuitive Machines’ chief executive, who confirmed that Odysseus was transmitting data back to Earth. Despite encountering a challenge with a malfunctioning laser instrument during its descent, the mission team managed to activate a backup instrument provided by NASA, ensuring the continuation of the mission.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson celebrated the landing as a “triumph” and highlighted it as a “giant leap forward for all of humanity.” The mission aims not only to explore but also to demonstrate the capability for future commercial ventures on the lunar surface. Odysseus carries 12 payloads, including a NASA instrument designed for surface studies and artworks by US artist Jeff Koons, signifying a blend of science and art in space exploration.

The lander’s destination, a crater near the Moon’s south pole, is of particular interest due to the potential presence of water ice, which could support future human exploration and resource utilization. Odysseus is expected to operate for approximately a week before the harsh conditions of the lunar night set in.

This landmark event opens new avenues for private involvement in space exploration and paves the way for future missions aimed at further exploring and potentially extracting resources from the Moon’s south pole. Intuitive Machines plans another mission next month, continuing their efforts in expanding humanity’s footprint on the lunar surface.